Circle to Runway Maneuver

Used by Air Traffic Control (ATC) to inform the pilot that he must circle to land because the runway in use is other than the runway aligned with the instrument approach procedure. When the direction of the circling maneuver in relation to the airport/runway is required, the controller will state the direction (eight cardinal compass points) and specify a left or right downwind or base leg as appropriate; (e.g., "Cleared Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Range (VOR) Runway Three Six Approach circle to Runway Two," or "Circle northwest of the airport for a right downwind to Runway Two."). (FAA4)