Is circling allowed in IMC conditions?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Sometimes
• D. Only with permission

Answer: (B)

Circling relies on seeing the runway environment to safely complete the turn from the instrument approach to landing. In Instrument Meteorological Conditions you don’t have reliable visual cues, so you can’t perform the circle safely. Instrument approaches publish circling minimums that specify the required visibility and cloud clearance; if the weather is below those minimums, circling isn’t authorized. If you can’t establish the required visual references, you should either proceed with a straight‑in approach (if allowed and the runway is in sight) or execute a missed approach. Permission from ATC does not override the need for the necessary visual reference, so circling is not allowed in IMC.