Definition
A missed approach climb maneuver in which the aircraft climbs in a circling pattern directly over the airport to gain altitude before proceeding on course, used when terrain or obstacles surrounding the airport prevent a safe straight-out climb.
Plain English
After a missed approach, the pilot climbs while flying in circles above the airport itself until reaching a safe altitude, then leaves the area. The airport is used as the safe spot to gain height because the ground around it may be too high or too obstructed to climb straight ahead.
Context Anchor
Seen in missed approach procedures when terrain, obstacles, or airspace make a straight-ahead climb away from the runway unsuitable.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures the aircraft stays inside protected airspace while gaining altitude over the airport when terrain or obstacles make a straight climb unsafe.
Analogy
It is like using a spiral ramp in a parking garage: you stay in the same small area while gaining height, then leave once you are high enough.
Grounding Statement
Picture breaking off an approach in low visibility, staying close to the airport, and climbing in turns until the charted safe altitude is reached.
Intuition Check
Do not read “circle-climb” as casual circling or sightseeing. Here it means a required climb in a turning path, flown as part of the missed approach procedure.
Example Sentence 1
The missed approach procedure called for a circle-climb over the airport to 9,000 feet before proceeding to the holding fix.
Example Sentence 2
Due to nearby terrain, the pilot flew the circle-climb over the airport as published rather than departing straight ahead.