AIM 

4/20/23 

FIG 5

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4

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29 

Precision Obstacle Free Zone (POFZ) 

c.  Straight

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in Minimums

 are shown on the IAP when the final approach course is within 30 degrees of the 

runway alignment and a normal descent can be made from the IFR altitude shown on the IAP to the runway 

surface. When either the normal rate of descent or the runway alignment factor of 30 degrees is exceeded, a 

straight

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in minimum is not published and a circling minimum applies. The fact that a straight

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in minimum is 

not published does not preclude pilots from landing straight

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in if they have the active runway in sight and have 

sufficient time to make a normal approach for landing. Under such conditions and when ATC has cleared them 

for landing on that runway, pilots are not expected to circle even though only circling minimums are published. 

If they desire to circle, they should advise ATC. 

d.  Side

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Step Maneuver Minimums. 

Landing minimums for a side

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step maneuver to the adjacent runway 

will normally be higher than the minimums to the primary runway. 

e.  Published Approach Minimums. 

Approach minimums are published for different aircraft categories and 

consist of a minimum altitude (DA, DH, MDA) and required visibility. These minimums are determined by 

applying the appropriate TERPS criteria. When a fix is incorporated in a nonprecision final segment, two sets 

of minimums may be published: one for the pilot that is able to identify the fix, and a second for the pilot that 

cannot. Two sets of minimums may also be published when a second altimeter source is used in the procedure. 

When a nonprecision procedure incorporates both a stepdown fix in the final segment and a second altimeter 

source, two sets of minimums are published to account for the stepdown fix and a note addresses minimums for 

the second altimeter source. 

f.  Circling Minimums. 

In some busy terminal areas, ATC may not allow circling and circling minimums will 

not be published. Published circling minimums provide obstacle clearance when pilots remain within the 

appropriate area of protection. Pilots should remain at or above the circling altitude until the aircraft is 

continuously in a position from which a descent to a landing on the intended runway can be made at a normal 

rate of descent using normal maneuvers. Circling may require maneuvers at low altitude, at low airspeed, and 

in marginal weather conditions. Pilots must use sound judgment, have an indepth knowledge of their capabilities, 

and fully understand the aircraft performance to determine the exact circling maneuver since weather, unique 

airport design, and the aircraft position, altitude, and airspeed must all be considered. The following basic rules 

apply: 

1. 

Maneuver the shortest path to the base or downwind leg, as appropriate, considering existing weather 

conditions. There is no restriction from passing over the airport or other runways. 

Arrival Procedures

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4

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