Aircraft Operations. Volume II - Construction of Visual and Instrument ...

Chapter 7
VISUAL MANOEUVRING (CIRCLING) AREA
7.1 GENERAL
7.1.1 Definition of terms
Visual manoeuvring (circling) is the term used to describe the visual phase of flight after completing an instrument
approach, which brings an aircraft into position for landing on a runway which is not suitably located for straight-in
approach, i.e. one where the criteria for alignment or descent gradient cannot be met.
7.1.2 Area to be considered for obstacle clearance
The visual manoeuvring (circling) area is the area in which obstacle clearance shall be considered for aircraft
manoeuvring visually (circling).
7.1.3 Visual manoeuvring for helicopters
This chapter does not apply to Category H. In an instrument approach where the landing axis does not permit a straightin
approach, helicopters must conduct a visual manoeuvre under meteorological conditions adequate for seeing and
avoiding obstacles in the vicinity of the FATO. The OCA/H for helicopter visual manoeuvring shall not be less than
75 m (246 ft).
7.1.4 Prescribed track for visual manoeuvring
In those locations where clearly defined visual features permit, and if it is operationally desirable, a specific track for
visual manoeuvring may be prescribed (in addition to the circling area). See the Appendix to this chapter.
7.2 ALIGNMENT AND AREA
7.2.1 Method for defining the area
7.2.1.1 The size of the visual manoeuvring (circling) area varies with the category of the aircraft. To define the
limits of the area:
a) draw an arc from the centre of the threshold of each usable runway with a radius appropriate to the aircraft
category. Example values appear in Tables I-4-7-1 and I-4-7-2;
I-4-7-1 23/11/06