Circling approaches are among the most hazardous instrument procedures and have been made a mandatory component of the Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) by the FAA to ensure pilot competency.

Missing an approach during a circle is complex because the aircraft is off the standard missed approach path, and published procedures may not guarantee obstruction clearance or traffic separation.

Earning an instrument and a type rating today still demands the applicant successfully fly a circling approach. Despite the FAA’s recent Advisory Circular (AC) 120-123 calling for an increased focus ...