Attention:
- Research a mishap case study:
- Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
- Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap
Motivator:
- The Federal Aviation Administration establishes a circling-only approaches to give pilots additional instrument approach options, either due to weather or equipment limitations
- Circling approaches are depicted similarly to other instrument approaches, containing circling minima only
- Instrument approach plates will publish circling minimums where the maneuver is permitted
- As a result, circling approach minimums require unique considerations
- Regardless of if flying a straight-in or circling-only approach, a circling maneuver is always required
- Circling approaches are potentially dangerous maneuvers requiring a lot of situational awareness
- You will be low, you will be slow, and the weather may be bad
- You may have little time, depending on the weather minimums, to orient yourself
- With a circling approach clearance, pilots execute the circling approach/maneuver to landing
- With circling approaches, unique missed approach scenarios warrant special consideration
- Think you've got a solid understanding of circling approaches? Don't miss the circling approaches quiz below, and topic summary
Overview:
Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Circling Approaches:
0:10
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30
Required Materials:
- Student Jacket, Paper & Pen or Marker & Whiteboard
Instructor Actions:
- Review Airman Certification Standards
Student Actions:
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Ask pertinent questions
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate
Instrument Rating - Circling Approach Lesson Plan:
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing a circling approach procedure .
- References: 14 CFR parts 91, 97; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); Terminal Procedures Publications .
Instrument Rating - Circling Approach Knowledge:
The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:Instrument Rating - Circling Approach Risk Management:
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:-
IR.VI.D.R1:
Prescribed circling approach procedures. -
IR.VI.D.R2:
Executing a circling approach at night or with marginal visibility. -
IR.VI.D.R3:
Losing visual contact with an identifiable part of the airport. -
IR.VI.D.R5:
Management of altitude, airspeed, or distance while circling. -
IR.VI.D.R6:
Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). -
IR.VI.D.R6:
Executing a missed approach after the MAP while circling.
Instrument Rating - Circling Approach Skills:
The applicant exhibits the skills to:-
IR.VI.D.S1:
Comply with the circling approach procedure considering turbulence, windshear, and the maneuvering capability and approach category of the aircraft. -
IR.VI.D.S2:
Confirm the direction of traffic and adhere to all restrictions and instructions issued by ATC or the evaluator. -
IR.VI.D.S3:
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate. -
IR.VI.D.S4:
Establish the approach and landing configuration. Maintain a stabilized approach and a descent rate that ensures arrival at the MDA, or the preselected circling altitude above the MDA, prior to the missed approach point. -
IR.VI.D.S5:
Maintain airspeed ±10 knots, desired heading/track ±10°, and altitude +100/-0 feet until descending below the MDA or the preselected circling altitude above the MDA. -
IR.VI.D.S6:
Visually maneuver to a base or downwind leg appropriate for the landing runway and environmental conditions. -
IR.VI.D.S7:
If a missed approach occurs, turn in the appropriate direction using the correct procedure and appropriately configure the airplane. -
IR.VI.D.S8:
If landing, initiate a stabilized descent. Touch down on the first one-third of the selected runway without excessive maneuvering, without exceeding the normal operating limits of the airplane, and without exceeding 30° of bank.
Re-Motivation:
Closure:
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
- Assign study materials for the next lesson
Conclusion:
- Hard copies of the ACS and Oral Exam Guides are available on Amazon.
- Digital copies of the ACS are available on the FAA's website.
- The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
- To learn more about earning the practical test, visit the checkride page.