In the US we have category C and D circling minimums that restrict your altitude and visibility depending on approach speed. It never lets you exceed 2 miles from the airport.
Yes, two miles, the max for a category D airplane, such as I fly.
Having flown to ISB a few times, have to say the ATC is 'OK' generally, however, the circle to land for runway 12 (at night) is one of the blackest holes I have seen in quite a long time...and we circle regularly at other airports.
I don't think EGPWS and automation on Airbus planes can prevent accidents like this if pilots do not adhere to standard procedures.
Nope, and likely never will.
We made all turns visually using visual check points and it worked very well. Programming a computer to do the same thing is very time consuming and better spent looking outside.
Yup, and...after all, a circling approach maneuver is a
visual exercise, not lending itself readily to 'automation'.
Basic flying skills, no more, no less.