Airport approaches

[RodBearden]

Can anybody please explain to me why it is that, while most aircraft approach an airport directly to land, on other occasions an aircraft directly overflies the airport, and then does a half or a full circuit.

On my recent flight to Preveza, Greece, our BMI A320 approached the landing runway, flew about 3000ft above it, did a full circuit, and then landed. Would this have been a missed approach or go-around, or is there a procedural reason for it? I'm pretty sure that it was all totally controlled, for example no sudden use of go-around power, and I don't think the landing gear was lowered until we were established in the circuit.

I see this happening on my RB at Blackpool quite often too. Is it a coincidence that these are both relatively quiet airports?

Rod

[DougV]

Hi Rod.

Have a look at this page and scroll down to Circling Procedures.

[EMA]

This is sometimes done to reduce the aircraft height at a slower rate, basically an extended approach.

[RodBearden]

OK - I get the idea - many thanks, chaps.

Rod