Approach Configuration / Integration into the Circuit

Chapter 13.3

Objectives

• To know the procedure for integrating into the aerodrome circuit
  

• To know when the flaps are to be extended

Reduced airspeed at V INIT APP

Before entering the circuit it is necessary to reduce the airspeed to V init app by reducing the power.

Reduced airspeed at V INIT APP

Level flight in the DOWNWIND is SPEED CONTROLLED, as soon as the aircraft reaches the approach configuration

Reduced airspeed at V INIT APP

Similar airspeeds on the circuit help with traffic coordination for both pilots and controllers. It reduces the danger of getting too close to one another.

Integration into the Circuit

Except while being in an aerodrome circuit, the APPROACH CHECK must be completed prior to entering the circuit and is already performed before the point of entry or at an adequate distance from the circuit.

Integration into the circuit is performed according to the local procedure described in the VAC or according to a standard integration procedure.

The Standard Circuit

Entry into the Standard Circuit

Example of an Intergration into a Circuit

If there is a circuit published on the Visual Approach Chart (VAC) - which is normally the case in Switzerland - flying according the published circuit is mandatory.

Example of an Intergration into a Circuit

Approaching from the Side of the Traffic Ciruit

Overflight of the runway and downwind at 500-1000 ft above circuit altitude.

Example of an Intergration into a Circuit

Approach from the Side of the Traffic Ciruit

After having determined the landing direction, descend on the «dead side» to the altitude of the circuit while continuously monitoring the airspace.

Example of an Intergration into a Circuit

Approaching from the Side of the Traffic Ciruit

The integration is done by an angle of 90°, on the inner side of the CIRCUIT, parallel to the CROSSWIND.

Example of an Intergration into a Circuit

45° Interception

In a few cases it is possible to enter directly with a 45° angle into the Downwind. This procedure can only be used if the airport concerned allows it or if we had flown over the airport beforehand at the appropriate altitude.

Dead Side Integration

The airport is approached at 500 - 1000 ft above circuit altitude. Before and during the flyover pay a lot of attention to traffic in the circuit.

Anflug mit Überflug von der «toten Seite / DEAD SIDE» Integration

Der Flugplatz wird mit einer Überhöhung von 500 - 1000 ft über der Platzrunde angeflogen. Vor und während des Überflugs ist dem Verkehr auf der Platzrunde grösste Aufmerksamkeit zu schenken.

Dead Side Integration

Descent from above into the downwind is very dangerous and therefore must be avoided.

Dead Side Integration

It is very important to know in advance about any potential dangers if you intend to overfly airports. At airports with parachute drops there is a high probability of a collision. In this case, you should not overfly over the airport.

Dead Side Approach

At some airports, aerobatic flights take place above the circuit. You should avoid crossing an aerobatic box!

Integration procedures when no RTF information is available

Procedures for integration into a CIRCUIT without RTF are not defined uniformly at the international level. Often the choice of procedure belongs to the pilot with the following indications:

If no local integration procedure is prescribed and there are no limitations on overflight of an aerodrome and surrounding areas, the aerodrome shall be overflown at at least 500 ft above the circuit altitude before integration.

Extension of the Flaps for the INITIAL APPROACH Configuration

Establish the INITIAL APPROACH CONFIGURATION.

ABEAM THRESHOLD

If the flaps have yet to be deployed, you will perform this procedure when at the ABEAM THRESHOLD position.

Coordination in the circuit, holding / ORBITS

The separation by shortening or extending the DOWNWND should be used only on instructions from the TOWER.

When flying an EXTENDED DOWNWIND or an EXTENDED BASE, in some cases, the aircraft that follows behind you may interfere by "cutting-in“ in front of you.

Coordination in the circuit, holding / ORBITS

Orbits become necessary when two planes follow one another too closely in the CIRCUIT or when traffic flow must be slowed down.

Orbits are performed according to the local situation normally to the left. The usual DOWNWIND separation procedure is the ORBIT.

Separation on Final

On the final approach, do not do an ORBIT. If a separation is required, you must initiate a GO-AROUND procedure, and clear to the right (Standard).