Originally Posted by
flydrive
We are in agreement. My only addition to your analysis is that a circling limitation on an ATP rating and a circling limitation on a type rating are two different things. In OP's scenario, a circling limitation on the ATP certificate (ATP CIRC. APCH. - VMC ONLY) is appropriate, but a circling limitation on the pre-existing type rating is not. My next question would be if OP is certain that the circling limitation has actually been placed on his pre-existing type rating. What does the back of his certificate actually say?
There's no such thing as an "ATP rating."
The FAA issues a pilot certificate, and it may be issued at various levels: student, recreational, sport, private, commercial, ATP. The circling limitation is not found on the ATP certificate. It's applicable to a type rating. The ATP pilot certificate does not have a circling limitation. A restricted ATP may be issued, annotated with the statement that the bearer does not meet the pilot in command aeronautical experience requirements of ICAO, but there is no provision to issue a circling limitation on the ATP certificate. A circling limitation is applicable to a type rating, not to a pilot certificate issued at the ATP level.
You can verify this by reviewing the FSIMS on the DRS as noted before, in this case 8900.1 Chg451, Volume 5, Section 18, Conduct an Airline Transport Pilot Certification, Including Additional Category/Class Ratings:
https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExte...40068A05A.0001
You'll note that there is no provision for adding a circling limitation to the ATP. That only applies to type ratings that may be placed on the ATP certificate.
Originally Posted by
QRH Bingo
Splitting hairs here I guess since circling approaches usually have ceilings less than 1,000' and/or visibility requirements less than 3sm which would make it IFR conditions over the field. Therefore, not VFR weather. But yes, it is an instrument approach combined with a visual maneuver to a different runway.
Well, no.
Circling approaches are for approaches not aligned with the landing runway; a turn in excess of 30 degrees to line up with the runway, or in other words, when the approach is not a "straight in," will have circling minima prescribed. It is, therefore, not necessarily to a "different runway," but may often be to the same runway designated for an appproach. It's not uncommon for Part 121 operators to have operational limitations that are well above procedural minimums; a circle is an instrument maneuver. It is simply the portion of the approach used to line up with the runway at minimums, when the landing environment is in sight. I have worked for several operators that limited circling to 1000/3 or better.
A visual approach, including other than straight-in, does not terminate in a published missed approach, whereas an instrument approach with a circle to land does include the published missed approach procedure, because the circle is part of an instrument procedure.