What additional requirement is placed on a high mins captain during circling approaches?

During circling approaches, a high mins captain is required to adhere to specific minimums to ensure a higher level of safety. The additional requirement to add 1/2 statute mile to visibility and 100 feet to the published minimums acknowledges the increased challenge and complexity of the approach in potentially variable conditions. This policy reflects the recognition that high mins captains may not have the same level of experience with certain approaches compared to other captains, thus necessitating these additional safety margins.

This approach helps to mitigate risks associated with circling approaches, where the pilot must maintain visual reference with the ground and maneuver carefully to align with the runway. By imposing these stricter minimums, it ensures that the high mins captain is operating with optimal safety measures in place, therefore enhancing situational awareness and reducing the potential for accidents or incidents during these demanding flight maneuvers.