Originally Posted by flapshalfspeed

I'm sure you already have your answer, but to clarify the previous answers provided, most 121 regionals do not seek an authorization in their ops specs to conduct circling approach manuevers in IMC anymore, and thus they don't typically train for it. (it is one less thing to do in that costly sim).

Additionally, in 2013 the FAA modified TERPS criteria, expanding the visibility required to shoot a circle-to-land approach in IMC. For a Cat C/D aircraft, the new visibilities required are often 3 SM or greater, so it's essentially a pointless manuever for a Cat C/D operator who primarily operates US domestic 121 flights.

XDashDriver I'm not sure what the approach speed of the Dash is, but if it was Cat A/B perhaps that helps to explain why Mesa actually authorized and trained for IMC circling in the Dash.

Cargo operators and operators who frequent countries like China where such procedures are more common are probably more likely to train for it. And the CAAC in China does require all circling limitations to be removed from the type and the ATP before validating your license/privileges.

Hope that provides more depth on the topic. Go read here if you're bored and geeking out on this Saturday night:

FAA Expands Size of Protected Airspace for Circling Approaches | NBAA - National Business Aviation Association

Originally Posted by flapshalfspeed

XDashDriver I'm not sure what the approach speed of the Dash is, but if it was Cat A/B perhaps that helps to explain why Mesa actually authorized and trained for IMC circling in the Dash.

Originally Posted by flapshalfspeed

I'm sure you already have your answer, but to clarify the previous answers provided, most 121 regionals do not seek an authorization in their ops specs to conduct circling approach manuevers in IMC anymore, and thus they don't typically train for it. (it is one less thing to do in that costly sim).

Additionally, in 2013 the FAA modified TERPS criteria, expanding the visibility required to shoot a circle-to-land approach in IMC. For a Cat C/D aircraft, the new visibilities required are often 3 SM or greater, so it's essentially a pointless manuever for a Cat C/D operator who primarily operates US domestic 121 flights.

XDashDriver I'm not sure what the approach speed of the Dash is, but if it was Cat A/B perhaps that helps to explain why Mesa actually authorized and trained for IMC circling in the Dash.

Cargo operators and operators who frequent countries like China where such procedures are more common are probably more likely to train for it. And the CAAC in China does require all circling limitations to be removed from the type and the ATP before validating your license/privileges.

Hope that provides more depth on the topic. Go read here if you're bored and geeking out on this Saturday night:

FAA Expands Size of Protected Airspace for Circling Approaches | NBAA - National Business Aviation Association

Originally Posted by Silverwings

Thanks!
It is understandable, I don't think I ever did a circling approach in IMC even though we are allowed to do them, and train them in the sim.
I guess it is one less thing to potentially Fk-up in the sim. 😊

Originally Posted by Lavdumper

Why do you care so much about this limitation if you've never done it? Does it give you a hard on knowing you have the ability to circle? Go apply at cape air bro.

Originally Posted by Jason5

Any Mesa folks commuting from Phoenix or Dulles to Houston? Or, even better, from Austin? I've heard intra-Texas commuting is tough.

Originally Posted by ScottyDo

Not trying to air out our dirty laundry on here, but is there any place where you can "report" FA's? I was just on a trip with some ghetto ass FA who constantly cursed in front of passengers, yelled at me for asking a question referring to the pax count. And after first introducing herself she referred to herself as a "pilot hater". It was quite ridiculous.

Originally Posted by ScottyDo

Not trying to air out our dirty laundry on here, but is there any place where you can "report" FA's? I was just on a trip with some ghetto ass FA who constantly cursed in front of passengers, yelled at me for asking a question referring to the pax count. And after first introducing herself she referred to herself as a "pilot hater". It was quite ridiculous.