This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform a visual circling approach, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and national operating standards.

It includes determining minima applicable for visual circling for specified instrument approaches, conducting visual circling procedure following instrument approach using appropriate visual cues, and conducting a missed approach from visual circling.

This unit addresses aviation technical skill requirements (physical, mental and task-management abilities) related to aircraft operational duties of flight crew, and contributes to safe and effective performance in complex aviation operational environments.

Operations are conducted as part of recreational, commercial and military aircraft activities across a variety of operational contexts within the Australian aviation industry.

Work is performed independently or under limited supervision within a single-pilot or multi-crew environment.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Use for Defence Aviation is to be in accordance with relevant Defence Orders, Instructions, Publications and Regulations.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1 

Determine minima applicable for visual circling for specified instrument approach 

1.1

Requirement to conduct a circling approach in accordance with aeronautical information publication (AIP) is determined

1.2

Ceiling and visibility minima are determined for circling approach appropriate for instrument approach procedure and category of aircraft being used, in accordance with applicable instrument approach charts

2 

Conduct visual circling procedure following instrument approach, using appropriate visual cues 

2.1

Circling procedures are planned and briefed in relation to runway position relative to aircraft as it will appear to pilot when approaching minima

2.2

Circling approach is conducted in accordance with AIP

2.3

Aircraft is controlled and maintained within altitude limitations by reference to instruments

2.4

Aircraft position is controlled and maintained using visual cues

2.5

Lookout is maintained using a systematic scan technique at a rate determined by traffic density, visibility or terrain

3 

Conduct missed approach from visual circling 

3.1

Conditions requiring a missed approach are recognised and missed approach procedure is initiated

3.2

Aircraft is manoeuvred to missed approach point (MAPt) and a missed approach procedure is conducted in accordance with applicable instrument approach chart

3.3

Obstacle clearance in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) is maintained

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

• adapting to differences in equipment and operating environment in accordance with standard operating procedures
• applying precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate identified hazards
• applying relevant aeronautical knowledge
• applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• calculating ceiling and visibility minima for circling approach
• communicating effectively with others
• completing relevant documentation
• determining circling area applicable to aircraft performance category being flown
• determining obstacle clearance requirements in circling area
• identifying and correctly using relevant equipment
• implementing contingency plans
• implementing work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and relevant regulations
• interpreting instrument approach charts
• modifying activities depending on workplace contingencies, situations and environments
• monitoring and anticipating operational problems and hazards and taking appropriate action
• monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule
• operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol
• performing systematic scan techniques
• reading, interpreting and following relevant regulations, instructions, procedures, information and signs
• reporting and/or rectifying identified problems promptly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures
• selecting and using required personal protective clothing and equipment conforming to industry and WHS/OHS standards
• setting local or area barometric pressure adjusted for sea level (QNH) at appropriate stages of flight
• working collaboratively with others
• working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• briefing requirements for a circling approach
• CASR Part 61 Manual of Standards Schedule 3 Aeronautical Knowledge relevant to instrument flight operations
• conditions under which a circling approach must be discontinued and a missed approach initiated
• emergency procedures
• how to calculate ceiling and visibility minima for a circling approach
• how to determine circling area applicable to aircraft performance category being flown
• how to determine minima applicable for visual circling for specified instrument approaches
• how to determine obstacle clearance requirements in circling area
• procedure to conduct a missed approach from any nominated point within circling area on a specified approach
• procedures for adjusting controls to optimise equipment operation
• recall when an aircraft may descend below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) by day and night
• relevant sections of national and state/territory regulatory requirements and codes of practice
• relevant WHS/OHS and environmental procedures and regulations
• requirements for completing relevant documentation.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• acceptable means of simulation assessment
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry.