Hey guys,
If someone asks a simple question isn't it our job to supply the answer without the sarcasm that's evident here. At some stage or other all of us have either not been taught something or more likely have forgotten it - no matter how basic the information may be to you. If Baroda knew the answer he wouldn't be asking would he? I agree that the runway environment must always be in view. Circling is really for the birds. It's a visual manoeuvre in (usually) the worst of circumstances - poor vis and strong winds. While the ND capabilities of modern a/c undoubtedly help, I'm convinced that it's not really a safe manoeuvre for a transport category aeroplane.