Instrument Rating Circling Approach Lesson Plan
Instrument Rating • ACS Area VI, Task D
The Instrument Rating Circling Approach Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing a circling approach procedure.
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 and present 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.
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:
- Instrument Approach Procedures Supplement.
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- AOPA's Online Learning Course - Know Before You Go: Navigating Today's Airspace.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Complete Special Awareness Training.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Crew Resource Management Supplement.
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.
Interactive Guided Scenario
Interactive Guided Scenario
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Decision 1
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Scenario Complete
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.
Airman Certification Standards
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.
Knowledge 1 ACS Element
Risk Management 7 ACS Elements
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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.
Skills 8 ACS Elements
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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.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Circling Approach requires disciplined planning, stabilized energy management, and precise control from the approach through touchdown and rollout.
- Evaluating wind, runway conditions, obstacles, aircraft performance, and personal limitations helps pilots recognize when an approach remains safe and when a timely go-around is required.
- Consistent airspeed control, runway alignment, traffic scanning, communication, and checklist discipline integrate aircraft handling with sound operational judgment.
- Continued practice with Circling Approach prepares instrument pilots for changing conditions and increasingly demanding landing scenarios in later training.
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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.