Too many "what if's" here.
A circling approach is a legiment IMC procedure. It does require "visial reference" as specified in AIP (VMC is not required). The pilot may then descend below the MDA whilst in the circling area provided that the meteorological conditions are not CONTINUOUSLY below the prescribed minima.
Personally, I would prefer a straight in landing from an instrument approach over visual circling in marginal conditioins (especially at an unfamiliar aerodrome). But it is Legal.
Cant say from this arm chair whether or not the pilot was acting appropriatley and I would say that Ralph probably cant say either from his armchair.
But good observation Ralph and its great that he is on his toes!
Calldepartures
Last edited by Calldepartures; 2nd Mar 2012 at 21:17.