Reasons Why Circling-Only Approaches Are Published
There are a few reasons why an approach will be published as circling-only:.
- The final approach course alignment with the runway centerline exceeds 30 degrees.
- The descent gradient is greater than 400 ft/NM from the FAF to the threshold crossing height (TCH). When this maximum gradient is exceeded, the circling only approach procedure may be designed to meet the gradient criteria limits. This does not preclude a straight-in landing if a normal descent and landing can be made in accordance with the applicable CFRs.
- A runway is not clearly defined on the airfield.