Lonewolf 50:
Do pilots still time their teardrop/procedure turn legs?
The modern FMS navigator does a better job with course reversals than pilots, whether they be teardrops, procedure turns, or hold-in-lieu-of-procedure turn. (positive course guidance throughout the maneuver.) The pilot nonetheless has the duty to monitor the flight path for reasonableness.
accept that the circle-to-land isn't the same thing as timing from a NAVAID inbound to an FAF ... but ... if the clock in one's head isn't working, flying away from a runway at x degrees (30?? 45??) and then a minute or so later seeing "runway" next to you or infront of you ... doesn't match. Basic VNAV.
Circle to land is a nasty visual-segment option from the dark ages of aviation to visually proceed in sometimes lousy, unforgiving weather conditions to a runway that lacks an IAP. Why is is usually done? Because of straight-in tailwind limits, the very winds that send you rapidly on your way to the other runway.