frozenboxhauler

No problem, we don't fly into KHYA.
fbh

USMCFDX

My FedEx Md-11 and 777 has the restriction.

Busboy

Just to clear this up?

The "CIRC. APCH - VMC ONLY", is an aircraft specific limitation only.

It is not a limitation for the ATP. I can circle to land, to circling mins, in anything other than the particular aircraft designated "CIRC. APCH - VMC ONLY", on the back of my ATP certificate.

There, now it's as clear as mud.

Sluggo_63

I think the confusion is the VMC vs. VFR/IMC vs. IFR.

VMC-Visual Meteorological Conditions
VFR-Visual Flight Rules
IMC-Instrument Meteorological Conditions
IFR-Instrument Flight Rules

There are no "rules" which govern when you are VMC. Those are VFR. You can be IFR but in VMC.

If I am on a IFR flight, fly a LOC down to the circling MDA and am out of the clouds, I'm in VMC. Can I circle?

In your example, what if I'm circling at a MDA of 980' AGL, is a 1000' ceiling good enough, then?

HazCan

It's why I love FBH. Always outside the box.

Jetjok

I'm not the one to ask because it's been 4 years since I've flown an aircraft, but since you did, here's what I remember (directly from the company Flight Operations Manual):

Circling Approach - A circling maneuver is authorized only when all of the following weather conditions are satisfied:

- Ceiling is 1000 FT or circling MDA for approach, whichever is higher.

- Visibility is at least 3 miles (or metric equivalent) or visibility required for the circling approach, whichever is greater.

- The AIRPORT must be in sight in order to commence the circling maneuver.

- The LANDING RUNWAY must be in sight in order to descend below 1000 FT HAA or MDA.

Speeds of course are by aircraft category.

Hope this helps.

JJ

Short Bus Drive

Does FedEx even fly into HYA? MMMMmm... no.
If you don't understand the question, maybe you shouldn't comment.

"I just looked at my ATP certificate and it says the following:
Airline Transport Pilot
Airplane Multiengine Land
MD-11
Commercial Privileges
Airplane Single Engine Land
Limitations
MD-11 Circ. Apch - VMC Only."

Jetjok, I have the same, except No MD-11 type.
My BE-1900 or SF-340 don't have the restriction, but my A-320 and DC-9 do.
Just the way the questions are, seem to be confusing.
I really don't have a commercial "certificate".
And the circling restriction is looked at as a limitation in Asia airlines hiring...

Short Bus Drive

True, however some airlines (especially in Asia) consider it a "limitation", and want it removed before you fly for them.
I was wondering since FedEx flies into Asia, do they want it removed also?

fdx727pilot

Fedex won't care, as our FOM, as noted by JetJok, prohibits circling below 1000/3. The crux of the problem is how the type ride is administered. If circling is accomplished on the type ride, then there is no imitation. If it's not, then the VMC limitation is added. Fedex does not train circling approaches in the sim, hence all type rides given in recent years have the limitation. I know that at one time, the FAA did not put this limitation on types, as I did not circle on my DC10 type in 1997, and have no restriction. However, when I went through 727 Captain upgrade in 2004, the other 3 captains in the course got the limitation, while I already had a type on the 72 (with a circle on the check) and obviously did not.

Again, it is all about what the airline you are applying for wants from its applicants. If its an Asian airline that wants no circling limitations, get it removed. If its Fedex, and they want a fresh 1st class and FEX written, get them. Play the game and get the job.

dojetdriver

As the guy pointed out, it's a semantics thing that has "rules" involved/ associated with the words.

If you're circling VMC, you are still on an IFR flight plan/clearance. If you have to go missed, and go back into IMC, you're still on the IFR clearance with blocked off/protected airspace. You were simply performing the maneuver whilst in VMC 1000/3.

If it were to read "VFR only", that could open up an opposite can of semantic worms to indicate it can be accomplished when operating VFR only. As such, you go missed there is no more IFR clearance nor protected airspace for your missed approach.

And NO, I'm not disagreeing with you over what it SHOULD say. AGAIN, it's simply a semantic/verbiage thing that exists to make our lives stupidly complicated. Even more so for the guys seeking contract work in Asia where getting that limitation removed is not anywhere near as simple as it sounds, nor should be.