What is not a characteristic of the circling approach?

The circling approach is a maneuver that allows a pilot to navigate visually to the runway after executing an instrument approach. One of the definitive characteristics of this approach is its reliance on visual cues rather than solely on the instruments; therefore, utilizing visual identification of the runway is fundamental. The circling approach is primarily designed for circumstances where the pilot must transition from instrument flight to visual flight, allowing them to align with a runway that may not be directly in line with their approach path.

The approach is typically used in situations where the weather conditions allow for good visibility, as it involves the maneuvering of the aircraft laterally and vertically in the vicinity of the airfield. Since circling approaches depend heavily on visual references to safely navigate and land, they cannot be effectively conducted under low visibility conditions. Thus, the assertion that a circling approach can be completed in low visibility undermines the core principles and safety considerations that govern this maneuver.