Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating for Airplane Category › VI. Instrument Procedures › Task G. Circling Approach

AA.VI.G.S4

Skill

Establish the approach and landing configuration. Maintain a stabilized approach and a descent rate that ensures arrival at the MDA, or the preselected circling altitude above the MDA, prior to the missed approach point.

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Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

Aeronautical Information Manual p. 5-4-59
Chapter 5. Air Traffic Procedures › Section 4. Arrival Procedures › 5-4-21. Missed Approach
procedure (including the alternate missed approach), request a different approach procedure, or coordinate with ATC for alternative action to be taken, i.e., proceed to an alternate airport, etc. f. When approach has been missed, request clearance for specific action ... alternative airport, another approach, etc. g. Pilots must ensure that they have climbed to a safe altitude prior to proceeding off the published missed approach, especially in nonradar environments. Abandoning the missed approach prior to reaching the published altitude…
Instrument Procedures Handbook p. 4-37
Chapter 4: Approaches › Stabilized Approach
This process is simplified by maintaining a constant approach speed, descent rate, vertical flight path, and configuration during the final stages of an approach. This is referred to as the stabilized approach concept. A stabilized approach is essential for safe ... turbojet operations and commercial turbojet operators must establish and use procedures that result in stabilized approaches. A stabilized approach is also strongly recommended for propeller-driven airplanes and helicopters. You should limit configuration changes at low altitudes to those changes…
Airplane Flying Handbook p. 9-30
Chapter 9: Approaches and Landings › Faulty Approaches and Landings › High Final Approach
sudden decrease in lift and causes the airplane to sink more rapidly. If there is any doubt about the approach being safely completed, it is advisable to execute an immediate go-around. Figure 9-30. Right and wrong methods ... correction for low final approach. High Final Approach When the final approach is too high, the pilot may lower the flaps as required. Further reduction in power may be necessary, while lowering the nose simultaneously to maintain approach airspeed…
Instrument Procedures Handbook p. 4-40
Chapter 4: Approaches › Missed Approach
nonstandard takeoff minima, other traffic expected to be in the vicinity, or other factors not specifically expressed by the approach procedures. A clearance for an instrument approach procedure includes a clearance to fly the published missed approach procedure, unless otherwise ... instructed by ATC. Once descent below the DA, DH, or MDA is begun, a missed approach must be executed if the required visibility is lost or the runway environment is no longer visible, unless the loss of sight…
Aeronautical Information Manual p. 5-4-39
Chapter 5. Air Traffic Procedures › Section 4. Arrival Procedures › 5-4-11. Radar Approaches
Guidance in elevation is not possible but the pilot will be advised when to commence descent to the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) or, if appropriate, to an intermediate step-down fix Minimum Crossing Altitude and subsequently to the prescribed MDA ... addition, the pilot will be advised of the location of the Missed Approach Point (MAP) prescribed for the procedure and the aircraft’s position each mile on final from the runway, airport or heliport or MAP, as appropriate. If requested…