Trying to remain within 1.7nm of a runway threshold in a medium jet and do a stabilised approach from 4-500ft AGL would be very difficult with 30° AOB or less. No wonder Americans don't like doing circling approaches
Speak for yourself, Bub...
On my heavy jet (category D...I don't fly medium jets, and have no desire to do so, either) we regularly circle at 600/2, without any difficulties.
IF you simply cannot do so in a category C jet...you don't belong at the pointy end.
IE: leave the flying to those that know how...even my 2000 hour First Officer can do this circling maneuver, with good results, every time.
Howsomever...IF you have a 200 hour wonder in the RHS, the Commander is supposed to know how to do these circling approaches...yes, even using TERPS.
Anyone else...baloney.
Harry Truman said it best...
'Can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen'.
NB.
Circling with a heavy jet during a type rating with the FAA,
requires the maneuver to be completed under TERPS (read, FAA) to 600/2.
Can't do so...a pink slip is issued, forthwith...unless, your airline requires 1000/3, in which case, a circling limitation is placed on the license...VFR only.
We don't hire the latter types...and will not do so in the future.
Ever.
NB2.
We don't hire 'FMS operators/button pushers', without basic flying abilities, to do so would absolutely affect the bottom line...negatively.
And yes, we have an FMS (dual installation) the first on a wide body jet to incorporate complete LNAV/VNAV/engine thrust management, in one neat package.
It is called...a Lockheed L1011.
Thank you.