Instrument Rating Circling Approach Lesson Plan
The Instrument Rating Circling Approach Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing a circling approach procedure.
Instrument Rating Circling Approach Lesson Plan Introduction
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Schedule:
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Circling Approaches:0:10Part 3, Circling Approaches Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 4, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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Attention Getter:
- Research a mishap case study:
- Discuss airspace in training or typical operating area.
- Relate similar personal experiences.
- Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario.
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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
Instrument Rating Circling Approach Lesson Plan Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Sectional chart.
- Chart Supplement, U.S.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
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Reference Materials:
- ATC light signals Supplement.
- Communications Avionics Supplement.
- Radar Assistance Supplement.
- Lost Communications Supplement.
- National Transportation Safety Board Supplement.
- Radio Communications Supplement.
- Runway Status Lighting Systems Supplement.
- Transponder Supplement.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 71.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 93.
- Aeronautical Information Manual.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Airman Certification Standards:
- 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.
Instrument Rating Circling Approach Lesson Plan Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention-getter and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Explain that effective communication supports safety, compliance, situational awareness, and workload management in all phases of flight.
- Set expectations for standard phraseology, timely interpretation of instructions, and appropriate response to abnormal or emergency situations.
- Part 2, Circling Approaches:
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- Part 3, Circling Approaches Guided Scenario(s):
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- Part 4, Lesson Conclusion:
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Debrief the student's understanding of communications procedures, light signals, runway lighting systems, and associated risk management.
- Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Instrument Rating Circling Approach Lesson Plan Guided Scenario(s)
- Related scenarios:
Instrument Rating Circling Approach Lesson Plan Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Know Before You Go: Navigating Today's Airspace.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
- Complete Special Awareness Training.
Instrument Rating Circling Approach Airman Certification Standards
- 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 risks 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.
Instrument Rating Circling Approach Lesson Plan Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- With a foundation on the requirements to meet certification standards, students can envision a path to certification completion.
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Closure:
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.