Step down altitudes above circling MDA

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Cowboy1920

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Cowboy1920
Are we allowed to come down to the circling MDA or do we have to maintain the step down altitude while circling?

upload_2020-6-17_21-49-53.jpeg
 
After GAPTE you can desecend to 780’ and maintain that altitude until the field is in sight or you reach the MAP
 
Cowboy1920 said:
Are we allowed to come down to the circling MDA or do we have to maintain the step down altitude while circling?

View attachment 86821
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If you are planning on circling, then you can descend as low as 780. There is nothing stopping you from circling at a higher altitude if you are in visual conditions. Your question is a bit unclear.
 
Welcome to POA!

This question - are we allowed to circle at the minimum descent altitude for circling? - really makes me curious. What is the level of your experience?
 
IOW if you plan to circle the circling mins become your MDA for the approach (there’s just not enough room in the block to add the letters MDA after Circling).
 
midlifeflyer said:
Welcome to POA!

This question - are we allowed to circle at the minimum descent altitude for circling? - really makes me curious. What is the level of your experience?
Click to expand...
You’d be amazed at how often I’ve wanted to ask ATPs that same question.:eek:
 
Cowboy1920 said:
Are we allowed to come down to the circling MDA or do we have to maintain the step down altitude while circling?
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The "to" in the note applies to the distance to the MAP not the step down altitude:

Step down.JPG​
 
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dwalt said:
After GAPTE you can desecend to 780’ and maintain that altitude until the field is in sight or you reach the MAP
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But remember, sighting the field does not permit descent below MDA. Descent below MDA is only allowed as follows:

(c) Operation below DA/DH or MDA. Except as provided in § 91.176 of this chapter, where a DA/DH or MDA is applicable, no pilot may operate an aircraft, except a military aircraft of the United States, below the authorized MDA or continue an approach below the authorized DA/DH unless -

(1) The aircraft is continuously in a position from which a descent to a landing on the intended runway can be made at a normal rate of descent using normal maneuvers, <balance is 135/121 specific>
​
Example: Wx: Wind 080@20G30, ceiling 700 OVC, visibility 2 miles. Rain, Fog. You've decided to accept the RNAV 26 circle 8. The tower clears you "bugracer 42A circle north cleared to land 8 report starting your circle."

Where do you descend? Not simply because you see the runway, you are nowhere near a position to land on the intended runway.
 
It may also help to think of the entire approach as a way to get you from some altitude down close so you can hopefully land. In other words, no matter if you plan to go straight in or circle, you follow the entire approach until you can descend to land normally (actual reference above). You're just restricted to an MDA depending on whether you circle or go straight in.

If you pass the FAF and suddenly the skies open up and you see the entire airport and you're still 2000' above the threshold, you would probably just want to "circle to land" by using a very normal visual traffic pattern. In that case, the approach did it's job and you didn't have to get anywhere near the mins to do what you want.

Just remember the "point" of the approach and if you're still in IMC you better adhere to the step downs and minimum altitudes at each.
 
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