What constitutes a circling approach? (and I don’t mean the alpha identifier after the navaid type on the approach plate)

Why is this a circling approach? (This is the easy one.)

Final approach course greater than 30 degrees off runway heading. 084 => 050 = 34 degrees (see v1, page 195)

Why is this a circling approach? (A little more difficult.)

Descent gradient exceeds 400’/NM for straight in approach. (See V1, pg 235 & pg 237) 1800’ – 730’ = 1070’ 1070’/1.6NM = 669’/NM

Why is this a circling approach? (The hardest one…)

Final approach course is within 30 degrees of rwy heading (355 => 020 is 25 degrees) But… Course doesn’t cross extended rwy centerline prior to the runway threshold. (See TERPs manual, chapter 5 figure 48)

Three reasons for a circle Final approach more than 30 degrees off runway heading Descent gradient from FAF to field elevation greater than 400’/NM Final approach course doesn’t cross extended runway centerline prior to the runway threshold.