Circling approaches are typically planned when the final approach course is offset by more than how many degrees?

• A. Less than 15 degrees
• B. More than 20 degrees
• C. More than 45 degrees
• D. More than 30 degrees

Answer: (D)

Circling approaches are planned when the final approach course is offset from the runway centerline by more than 30 degrees. Straight-in landing minimums assume the aircraft can align with the runway within 30 degrees; if the offset exceeds that, continuing straight to the runway would require a low-altitude, potentially riskier turn. Planning a circling maneuver provides a safer, controlled path to align with the runway from a different direction. If the final approach course is within 30 degrees of the runway, straight-in minimums apply and circling isn’t needed.