4−8−6 Circling approach

poapon Newcomer Enkenbach-Alsenborn, Germany

c. Do not issue clearances, such as “extend
downwind leg,” which might cause an aircraft to
exceed the circling approach area distance from the
runways within which required circling approach
obstacle clearance is assured.

Is there a catch 22 to this rule that allows us to "extend downwind leg" on a circling approach to the active? Thanks for the help.

atcguruaf Rico Suave Right here

I normally try to find loop holes, but this specifically states "Do not..." which to me means "don't do - no matter what".

poapon Newcomer Enkenbach-Alsenborn, Germany

Thanks a bunch.

FM_Weasel Trusted Contributor

Don't cause them to exceed the protected circling area. Depending on the circling category of the aircraft, that area may be larger or smaller. But you're really not aware of the exact dimensions from your place in the tower, so it's best not to modify circling aircrafts' approaches.

poapon Newcomer Enkenbach-Alsenborn, Germany

Thanks for the input Weasel

SCRUMPTON Newcomer Jackson, MS

Actually just went over this the other day. You can't use the extend, but you can point out/call out traffic to follow in the case you have to sequence for approach. If the circling airplane can't follow, you can break them out from the approach.

FM_Weasel Trusted Contributor

I think either is the same thing really. The book doesn't say never use "extend." It says don't use it so as to cause the circling aircraft to depart the protected area. Issuing a follow command could result in the same thing. The "extend downwind" verbiage is just the example they used.

I don't see a practical difference in telling the circling aircraft to follow, while waiting for the "unable" to break them out, and just saying "extend downwind" while waiting for an "unable," then breaking them out.

If the circling aircraft complies with your instruction, and departs the protected circling area while still on their approach clearance, I don't think you've satisfied 4-8-6.

All that said, I've observed various techniques used when the weather is beautiful and the aircraft is practicing the approach (not itinerant.) Doesn't make it right, but folks seem to make it work out.

mmroberson Newcomer

Yes, I've seen lots of "interesting" techniques that appear contrary to 4-8-6. My two cents: even when the weather's perfect VMC, I'll make a good effort to work a circling approach (IFR or VFR) the same way I would if the pilot was flying it during marginal conditions.

If the pilot put in the effort to get vectors and fly the practice approach, I'll make the effort to allow him/her to practice the circling maneuver. My facility rarely sees circling approaches flown during actual IMC, so I believe it's worth practicing the air traffic phraseology and observing the way a circling approach may be flown.

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

the few times that i extended a "circling approach" i made sure they had the airport in sight first. once the airport is in sight you tend to have more options. definitely allow the pilot to climb to pattern altitude before you extend them.

otherwise...don't do it!

me: N12345 do you have the airport in sight?
N345: affirmative.
me: N345 climb to pattern altitude, extend downwind for traffic, follow ....
N345: wilco or traffic in sight.

in a true IMC situation do not even entertain the thought of doing that. it just isn't worth it.

JoshATC Senior Analyst

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