Approach and Landing

Chapter 21.3

The Aerodrome Circuit

The visual approach to an aerodrome is always carried out according to a standard procedure, the so-called «standard circuit». The standard circuit is described in Chapter 13.1. The purpose of this standard procedure is to change the aircraft step by step from a cruising configuration to a landing configuration. The procedure is described in chapter 13.3.

To understand how to fly an aerodrome›s local procedure, imagine what the approach would look like if the standard aerodrome circuit were used. Then analyse where and how the local procedure deviates from the standard aerodrome circuit. With this procedure, one often finds that an approach that seems difficult at first glance does not deviate that far from the standard aerodrome circuit.

The most important reasons why the aerodrome circuit deviates from the standard aerodrome circuit at many aerodromes are:

• Topography
• Noise-sensitive areas

The Aerodrome Circuit

Standard Aerodrome Circuit

The Aerodrome Circuit

Standard Aerodrome Circuit

The Aerodrome Circuit

Entry into the Aerodrome Circuit

Approach and Landing at a Controlled Aerodrome

The first call takes place according to the known system:

Approach and Landing at a Controlled Aerodrome

So the first call looks as follows:

Approach and Landing at a Controlled Aerodrome

The next call is made according to the instructions received:

Approach and Landing at a Controlled Aerodrome

The final approach is reported as instructed:

Approach and Landing at a Controlled Aerodrome

After leaving the runway, further instructions are obtained:

Approach and Landing at a Controlled Aerodrome

After the frequency change, an «initial call» is carried out again:

If the aerodrome does not have a GROUND, the taxi clearance will be issued directly by the TOWER.

Approach and Landing at an Uncontrolled Aerodrome

The first call takes place according to the known system:

Under «Request», instead of a request, it is directly communicated how the pilot intends to conduct the approach, so that other pilots can orientate themselves accordingly and integrate themselves into the approach.

Approach and Landing at an Uncontrolled Aerodrome

Approach and Landing at an Uncontrolled Aerodrome

Approach and Landing at an Uncontrolled Aerodrome

Approach and Landing at an Uncontrolled Aerodrome

Difference between Approach Sectors and Reporting Points

At uncontrolled aerodromes, the approach is usually via approach sectors, as in the example of Lommis. Approach sectors have the advantage that not all aircraft fly over the same points and thus the noise is distributed.

At controlled aerodromes, approach routes are usually established, which are defined by reporting points.

If the aerodrome is approached from the south, both the approach sector and the reporting point are designated S. However, the way the position is reported is different:

Report over an «Approach Sector»

Report over a «Reporting Point»