In circling approaches, what height reference is used?

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Multiple Choice

In circling approaches, what height reference is used?

Explanation:
Circling minimums are published as a height above the airport. This keeps the required altitude tied to the airport’s own elevation, providing a consistent obstacle-clearance reference around the airport regardless of surrounding terrain or runway layout. Using height above the airport makes the circling altitude predictable for any airport, whereas heights above ground, terrain, or sea level would vary with the local surface and would not guarantee safe clearance of obstacles in the circling area.

Circling minimums are published as a height above the airport. This keeps the required altitude tied to the airport’s own elevation, providing a consistent obstacle-clearance reference around the airport regardless of surrounding terrain or runway layout. Using height above the airport makes the circling altitude predictable for any airport, whereas heights above ground, terrain, or sea level would vary with the local surface and would not guarantee safe clearance of obstacles in the circling area.

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