Xeptu,
be aware that at such aerodromes descending to circuit height within 5 miles does not necessarily mean terrain clearance,
no, it certainly does not...
...and
the point was aimed more at our NGT VFR counterparts, although I have had this conversation with IFR pilots just the same. Think aerodrome, no approach at night never been there before.
5nm is not really relevant to your scenario. I think you will find that
3nm is the magic number relevant to both IFR & VFR in certain cases:
AIP ENR1.5
4.7 Landing Minima
4.7.1 Aerodromes without approved instrument approach
procedures
IFR Day - visual approach requirements.
IFR Night - VMC from LSALT within 3NM.
AIP ENR1.10
1.4 Non-instrument Procedure Destination
1.4.2 An aircraft operating under the IFR by night having a MTOW not
greater than 5,700KG may be planned to a destination not
served by a radio navigation aid, or not having an approved
instrument approach procedure, subject to the following
requirements:
c. Descent below LSALT for the route sector to be flown must
not be commenced until the aircraft is positively fixed within
3NM of the destination aerodrome and the aerodrome lighting
has been visually identified. Subsequent manoeuvring for
descent and landing must be in VMC and confined within
3NM of the destination aerodrome while operating below the
LSALT.
d. The pilot is responsible for ensuring that he or she is familiar
with all terrain and obstacles surrounding the aerodrome
within the specified circling area of 3NM and that the aircraft is
manoeuvred for landing at a height sufficient to maintain the
obstacle clearance specified for circling in ENR 1.5 para 1.7.6
Note 2.
AIP ENR1.1
2.11.8.4 Tracking Requirements for visual approach. Except when on
a STAR, the pilot must maintain track/heading on the route
progressively authorised by ATC until:
a. by day, within 5NM of the aerodrome; or
b. by night, the aerodrome is in sight and the aircraft is within:
(1) the prescribed circling area for an IFR flight; or
(2) 3NM of the aerodrome for a VFR flight
From this position the circuit must be joined as directed by ATC
for an approach to the nominated runway.
2.11.8.7 Minimum Altitude Requirements. During the conduct of a
visual approach, a pilot must descend as necessary to:
b. by night:
(2) for a VFR flight:
– maintain not less than the lowest altitude permissible for
VFR flight (CAR 174B) until the aircraft is within 3NM of
the aerodrome and the aerodrome is in sight.