The term used to describe the visual phase of flight after completing an instrument approach, to position for landing on a runway not suitable for straight-in, is what?

• A. Visual manoeuvring (circling)
• B. Aerodrome traffic pattern
• C. Contact approach
• D. Visual approach

Answer: (A)

Circling, or visual manoeuvring, is the phase you fly after finishing an instrument approach when the intended runway isn’t suitable for a straight-in landing. You descend and maneuver visually to position yourself for landing on the chosen runway, using outside references rather than following a straight-in instrument path. This is distinct from the aerodrome traffic pattern, which is the standard racetrack used around the airport for all arrivals and departures; from a procedure standpoint, circling specifically describes the post-approach maneuver to align with a different runway. It’s also different from a contact or visual approach, which are other, separate clearance/through-landing procedures. The circling term captures the idea of completing the approach visually to land on a non-straight-in runway.