During a circling approach, can I cross midfield to enter the pattern or do I have to literally fly around the airfield to get into the pattern? I know its an odd question, but my airfield has an RP on one runaway and it would feel safer to cross midfield and enter the pattern
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4$\begingroup$ Pardon my ignorance, but what is an RP? $\endgroup$– DeltaLima ♦Commented Feb 26, 2023 at 5:37
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2$\begingroup$ @DeltaLima RP refers to runways with a Right Traffic Pattern. $\endgroup$– user22445Commented Feb 26, 2023 at 14:50
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1 Answer
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During an IFR Circling approach, in IFR conditions, there is no pattern. You own the airspace and can fly anywhere you want, unless it is restricted by a published circling procedure. (example: no circling south of the airport)
In VFR conditions, there might be VFR traffic to contend with. The tower or local VFR procedures would then come into play.
answered Feb 25, 2023 at 22:02
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$\begingroup$ I agree, but I will complicate the issue somewhat. If you break out of the clouds and the airport has VFR conditions AND VFR traffic in the pattern, then the circling approach is expected to join the VFR traffic in a normal pattern entry. This could happen with a marginal VFR ceiling, depending on the circling minimum and such, though VFR traffic is usually rarified on those days. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 25, 2023 at 23:35
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$\begingroup$ Thanks, I edited my answer to reflect possible VFR conditions. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 26, 2023 at 0:28
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$\begingroup$ @MikeSowsun I did circling apprs all the time in the CRJ sim but never tried a real one. The standard missed approach/engine failure/fire demo for training and check rides was usually done from a circling approach just as you were getting lined up on short final, dialing the stress level to 11. With the US Regionals, circling maneuvers were forbidden by most operators. $\endgroup$– John KCommented Feb 26, 2023 at 4:13