It seems to me that there are several misconceptions about commercial jet operations. And a frank discussion from both jet and light aircraft operators may be of some benifit. So on my part then, just to clarify a few things.
The procedural arrival for 20 dictates that the base turn is commenced at 10.6 DME of the IFNL. So yes 10 miles out. This turn can be commenced earlier traffic and PROFILE permitting.Nearly always kept high when inbound to the FNY by Manchester radar. So, when passing overhead often need to fly the whole procedure for the track miles to "come down and slow down".
With regards to the visual, if being high is not an issue, and wx permitting, most guys would do a visual. The closer we are to the field the happier we all are, but, we are required to be established on the final approach course by 1500' for noise abatement reasons. This equates to 5 miles for a jet. This makes visual manouvering at night difficult as descent from the MSA cannot be commenced until within the circling area, again 5 miles.
Most days now though, with DSA radar operating, the controller vectors the aircraft, so if it is a 10 mile final its a 10 mile final.
PPrune radar, the "fish finder" resolves conflicts all over the world every day, despite pilots looking intently for traffic and even ATC scanning a scope. It is vital kit and maximising its use is essential. Of course a go around would be conducted whenever required, but if you think the fuel for this is not a major consideration, you really do not understand jet operations. Not the cost of the fuel, but just how much do you think will be in the tanks on the 2nd approach?
Wx aside, the JAR required fuel at your destination after 1 approach would be the trip fuel to your alternate and 30 mins holding at the alternate. Subtract a 1000kg's or there abouts and things get a little stressfull. That doesn't mean that when planning into somewhere like DSA, extra fuel, would not be carried, but, a go-around can have very a very serious impact on your fuel based options.
Traffic @ ......
BB