Circling can be performed as long as which condition is met?

• A. It must be performed only when operating under VFR conditions.
• B. It requires radar guidance at all times.
• C. It can be conducted as long as the pilot maintains visual contact with the runway environment.
• D. It is performed only when weather information is unavailable.

Answer: (C)

Circling relies on the pilot having the runway environment in sight throughout the maneuver. That visual reference is what lets you judge distance and alignment as you maneuver from the instrument approach to a landing on a different runway, while also ensuring obstacle clearance during the turns and descent. No radar guidance is required for this maneuver, and you can perform it under IFR if you meet the published weather minima and can maintain visual contact with the runway environment. If you lose sight of the runway environment, you must discontinue the circle and either execute a missed approach or switch to another landing option.