Below you will find the details for this seminar. You may register by clicking the "Register" link.


Title:
EAA Chapter 129 IMC Club
Topic:
Safely Flying Circling Instrument Approaches at Uncontrolled Airports
Date and Time:
Saturday, September 5, 2026, starting at 09:00 Central Daylight Time Download Calendar File
Speaker(s):
John Rettick
Brief Description:

A circling approach at an uncontrolled airport can quickly become one of instrument flying’s most demanding situations. This interactive presentation will examine weather and visibility requirements, airport airspace, circling minimums, protected maneuvering areas, obstacle clearance, traffic-pattern entry, radio communications, wind, nighttime operations, and conflicts with other traffic. We will also discuss when to abandon the circle, how to execute the missed approach, and how ForeFlight tools can improve situational awareness. Bring your experience and judgment to this practical scenario-based discussion.

Select Number:
GL19146214
Location of Seminar:
EAA Chapter 129 Hangar F15
2825 E Empire
Hangar F15
Bloomington, IL 61704
Directions to Venue:

Whether driving or flying, park at Synergy Flight Center (FBO) and proceed to Hangar F15 which is located at the north end of the parking lot. It is the last hangar on the first row of T-hangars.


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Fly-in Seminar?:
Yes  KBMI
Seating:
50 seats at the facility, 50 remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
Springfield, SPI FAASTeam
Contact Information:
WILLIAM EARL THACKER
Phone: (309) 287-3719
billthacker@gmail.com
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):

This event is sponsored by EAA Chapter 129 and Springfdield SPI FAASTeam.

You break out of the clouds and see the airport—but the runway aligned with the approach is not the runway you want. The weather is marginal, the wind is pushing you toward the airport, another aircraft is in the traffic pattern, and there is no control tower to organize the situation. Can you safely maneuver to land while remaining within the circling protected area?

Using practical scenarios, we will consider:

• Whether the reported and observed weather supports a circling approach
• How approach category and circling minimums affect the maneuver
• The shape and limitations of the protected circling area
• Maintaining visual contact with the airport and identifying obstacles
• Selecting a safe direction and traffic-pattern entry
• Communicating intentions at an uncontrolled airport
• Recognizing and avoiding conflicts with VFR traffic
• Managing wind, bank angle, airspeed, workload, and nighttime risk
• Knowing when to discontinue the approach
• Executing the published missed approach from various points in the circle
• Using ForeFlight traffic, terrain, synthetic vision, approach plates, airport diagrams, and other electronic flight bag features to improve situational awareness

Instrument-rated pilots, instrument students, flight instructors, and pilots interested in instrument operations are encouraged to attend. Participation and real-world experiences are welcomed.

There is no charge to attend. Online registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome if seating is available.

Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
Safety Promotion Outreach for Pilots
Additional Event Documents:
bullet  GL19146214F.pdf