Haneda LDA W 22 considered a circling approach?
 

Hi guys,

My understanding of a circling approach is that it starts off as a precision approach and thereafter, breaking off from the approach for a visual segment. Can we use that to say that Haneda LDA approach is a circling approach then?

Welcome any comments.

Thanks

What do the minimums say?

is the final approach course +/- 30 degrees offset?

As by Doc 8168:

1.2.4 Types of approach
1.2.4.1 There are two types of approach: straight-in and circling.
1.2.4.2 Straight-in approach. Wherever possible, a straight-in approach will be specified which is aligned with the runway centre line. The pilot should be aware that for non-precision approaches, a straight-in approach is considered acceptable if the angle between the final approach track and the runway centre line is 30° or less.
1.2.4.3 Circling approach. A circling approach will be specified in those cases where terrain or other constraints cause the final approach track alignment or descent gradient to fall outside the criteria for a straight-in approach. The final approach track of a circling approach procedure is in most cases aligned to pass over some portion of the usable landing surface of the aerodrome.

It doesn't have to be a precision approach, any instrument approach would work.
The angle is the criterion. Here the final approach track is 277, runway designator is 22, so the difference seems to be greater than 30 deg.

Yes thats what I thought. But then again, the minimums is not termed as "circling minima", so does circling approaches need to necessarily have a circling minima?

The LDA 26L in Honolulu is another example. Final track is 304, runway heading is 259. Way more than 30 degrees but straight in by way of a curved approach lighting system.

My airline has now banned the circling approach….heavy jet international ULH.
HOWEVER…whilst the ban was in place an important management type deemed the approach in question in HND NOT a circling approach but an approach that requires following designated ground tracking as per approach plate.
Semantics…I reckon it’s a circling approach.
we are about to recommence the destination and I won’t be doing that approach.

A circling approach at the circling minima is a very different beast than flying an LDA. It isn’t a difficult manoeuvre to fly safely if it has been given some forethought.