What is the minimum airspeed to use when circling to land on an instrument approach?

What is the minimum airspeed to use when circling to land on an instrument approach?

• A. 110 KIAS
• B. 120 KIAS
• C. 125 KIAS
• D. 130 KIAS

Answer: (B)

During a circle-to-land on an instrument approach, you must keep a speed that preserves good control in a banked turn while staying well clear of stall. The circle requires a margin above the stall speed in the landing configuration, plus enough energy to complete the turn and align with the runway. For many light aircraft used in instrument training, that safest minimum circling speed is about 120 knots indicated. This provides a comfortable stall margin in a typical bank and keeps you able to maneuver precisely toward the runway. Going slower, like around 110 knots, reduces stall protection in a turn and increases the risk of stalling if you need to tighten the circle or respond to wind drift. Going faster, such as 125 or 130 knots, isn’t necessary for the minimum requirement and can make the circle less controllable or efficient, though still safe if flown correctly.

During a circle-to-land on an instrument approach, you must keep a speed that preserves good control in a banked turn while staying well clear of stall. The circle requires a margin above the stall speed in the landing configuration, plus enough energy to complete the turn and align with the runway. For many light aircraft used in instrument training, that safest minimum circling speed is about 120 knots indicated. This provides a comfortable stall margin in a typical bank and keeps you able to maneuver precisely toward the runway.

Going slower, like around 110 knots, reduces stall protection in a turn and increases the risk of stalling if you need to tighten the circle or respond to wind drift. Going faster, such as 125 or 130 knots, isn’t necessary for the minimum requirement and can make the circle less controllable or efficient, though still safe if flown correctly.