Originally Posted by
racers2207
Visibility is the controlling factor on an approach, not ceiling.
Say what?!? You aren't allowed to descend from the circling minimums until you have the airport insight AND are within the landing environment which is a 30 degree angle from the centerline of the approach end of the runway. Just because you have visual doesn't mean you get to drop below mins on a circle. You're still on a published part of the approach.
Pilots should remain at or above the circling altitude until 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.
http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraff...504.html#5-4-7
I can't find the 30 degree bit but I know I read it just the other day on what defines the landing environment. I'll keep digging.