CIRCLING

Circling 1
Circling Approach
A circling approach is an IFR approach (either precision or non-precision) followed
by a visual circuit. Each circling situation is different because of variables such as
runway layout, final approach track, and meteorological conditions.
A circling approach is usually flown when the wind direction favours landing on a
runway that is not served by an airfield's main instrument approach.
An appropriate time for handover of control should be discussed and should take
account of the circuit direction.
Consideration should be given to the appropriate response when the decide call is
made. Also, the Missed Approach Point (MAP) has particular significance on this
type of approach.

Circling 2
FMGS Set-Up
The FMGS set-up is not ideal as the landing runway is not the same as that used for the
instrument approach. Furthermore, in the event of a go around the missed approach procedure for
the instrument approach must be followed.
The recommended compromise is as follows:
FPLN
o Lateral: STAR, instrument approach procedure.
o Vertical: Insert F speed as constraint at FAF since the approach will be flown CONF 3,
landing gear down and F speed (stabilized approach). Check altitude constraints.
RAD NAV: Manually tune the VOR/DME of destination airfield as required.
PROG: Insert VOR/DME of destination airfield in the BRG/DIST field as required. Check
NAV ACCY if required by comparing BRG/DIST data to raw data.
PERF : PERF APPR: Destination airfield weather, minima and landing flap selection .
PERF GO AROUND: Check thrust reduction and acceleration altitude.
FUEL PRED: Check estimated landing weight and extra fuel.
SEC F-PLN: When planning for a circling approach, the landing runway will be inserted
into the SEC F-PLN.The crew will update the SEC F-PLN as follows:
o SEC F-PLN then COPY ACTIVE
o Lateral revision on destination and insert landing runway
o Keep the F-PLN discontinuity
Circling 3
Initial Approach
The initial instrument approach should be flown in Flap 3 (Flap 2 single engine) with the gear
down. If the autopilot is in use the flight directors should be on. If flying an ILS to circle, an early
selection of TRK/FPA during the ILS may be preferred. The go-around altitude should be set in
the FCU as normal.
About 100 feet above the circling minima select (push) FPA zero on the FCU. The aircraft must
be levelled at or above the MDA. It is not permissible to descend below the MDA until the
aircraft is in a position to commence a descent to the landing threshold at the normal rate on a 3
flight-path.
If the required visual references are not achieved at MDA go-around immediately. Sufficient
visual reference with the terrain and either the approach lights or the runway must be
continuously in view.
At MDA there is no immediate requirement to disconnect the autopilot, or turn off the flight
directors, or handover control. The autopilot may remain engaged until the final descent when it
must be disconnected by 100 feet below MDA; the flight directors should then be switched off.
EU-OPS 1 subpart E stipulates that the instrument approach track should be maintained until the
crew estimate that:
o The required visual references can be maintained throughout the procedure.
o The aircraft is within the circling area.
o The aircraft's position in relation to the runway can be determined visually.
If these conditions are not met by the MAP a missed approach must be carried out.

Circling 4
Circling Manoeuvre
Prior to reaching the MAP (preferably 0.5 miles to the threshold - as long as there is suitable
visual reference), a circling approach can be commenced.
Level Off ( Push to level off)
A turn through 45 should be executed using the ND rose presentation for accurate
calculation of track, and
Timing commenced for 30 seconds still air from wings level. The use of TRK ensures
accurate tracking.
The turn onto the downwind leg can then be commenced, and with landing considered
assured, the secondary flight plan can be activated .The managed speed target (G/S
mini) will now be correct for the landing runway.
The downwind leg should be extended past the landing threshold by 20 seconds for the
first 500ft AGL plus 3 seconds for each additional 100ft.
At the end of this leg, the aircraft can be turned onto final and the autopilot and flight
directors selected off prior to descent from the circling minima, which should not be
until the landing threshold is in sight, ensuring the aircraft is fully configured for landing in
order to achieve stable approach criteria. Remember that part of the stable approach
criteria requires the angle of bank to be less than 15 by 400ft on a circling approach.

Circling 5
 Sequence

When landing runway is different from RWY

fitted with instrument approach

Approach preparation

FINAL TURN
AP & FD Off DOWNWIND
ABN THRESHOLD
R/W Track
Flaps Full
Start Timing Activate Sec-FLP
20 sec for 500 feet
MDA FAF F speed
30 sec R/W In sight Flap 3
Level Off LND Gear Down
Fly 45-30sec
Maintain Visual
45 contact with the R/W
FINAL
VAPP
400 ft MIN
Stabilized

Circling 6
Approach Preparation
FPLN
o Lateral: STAR, instrument approach procedure.
o Vertical: Insert F speed as constraint at FAF since the approach will be flown CONF 3,
landing gear down and F speed (stabilized approach). Check altitude constraints.
RAD NAV: Manually tune the VOR/DME of destination airfield as required.
PROG: Insert VOR/DME of destination airfield in the BRG/DIST field as required. Check
NAV ACCY if required by comparing BRG/DIST data to raw data.
PERF : PERF APPR: Destination airfield weather, minima and landing flap selection .
PERF GO AROUND: Check thrust reduction and acceleration altitude.
FUEL PRED: Check estimated landing weight and extra fuel.
SEC F-PLN: When planning for a circling approach, the landing runway will be inserted
into the SEC F-PLN.The crew will update the SEC F-PLN as follows:
o SEC F-PLN then COPY ACTIVE
o Lateral revision on destination and insert landing runway
o Keep the F-PLN discontinuity

Circling 7
At MDA
Level Off ( Push to level off)
A turn through 45 should be executed using the ND rose presentation for accurate
calculation of track, and
Timing commenced for 30 seconds still air from wings level. The use of TRK ensures
accurate tracking.

20sec-500ft Activate Sec-FLP

Case 1
45-30sec FLP 3-LND Gear Down

Landing Flaps Case 2

Circling 8
Downwind

Maintain visual ( lateral distance, TRK)

Activate SEC F-PLN

Remove FD when appropriate, set FPV (bird)

Start time ABM threshold

(20 sec for the first 500 feet and then 3 sec per 100 ft)

Circling 9
Final Turn

Maintain 25 bank until runway reference

then adjust

Set LDG configuration if not already set (checklist)

Descent and landing (A/C stabilized)

Missed approach

Circling 10
Go Around
If at any time visual reference is lost a Go-around must be flown by entering a climbing turn
towards the runway and establishing on the missed approach procedure specified for the
instrument approach.
Different patterns will be required depending on the aircraft's position at the time the
Go-around was commenced; however, it may be prudent to clarify precise requirements with
ATC 1

2
Go-Around from Downwind
3
Instrument APP Direction

3 Go-Around from Final

4 1
Instrument APP Direction

If Circling Minima Is Not Published Then A Circling Approach Is Not Allowed.

Circling 11