Claret
I suspect it is to ensure you are landing on the correct runway as well. i.e. determine wind. That would explain why you can land off a straight in approach if you have ATIS info.
Maybe also to look for signals adjacent the windsock etc etc.
I am guessing these lights are simply the threshold lights visible in all directions so we have a reference for our circling approach. "maintains visual contact with the landing runway environment (i.e the runway, threshold or approach lighting etc etc.
Like NFR says it might be an aerodrome requirement, I have never seen it as a pilot type requirement.
Last edited by RENURPP; 24th Feb 2003 at 01:36.