How is that following IFR (Instrument flight rules) and VFR (visual flight
rules) at the same time?

I suppose it's not, really. VFR is a set of rules (altitudes,
visibilities and cloud clearances) designed around that principle, to
make it reasonable to do. You are right, they cannot technically both be
followed at the same time.

I think what Jim is getting at:

If the weather was as good as you say, there is no
prohibition on operating under IFR and VFR at the same time

is that one can, while remaining on an IFR flight plan, circle to land
via a VFR traffic pattern if the weather would permit ordinary VFR
traffic to do that. He appears to claim (and I find reasonable) that
this would not violate the "circling to the {whatever} prohibited".

I suppose the FAA might differ, which raises the question - when you
maneuver under an IFR flight plan at the end of an approach that is not
straight in, is it always considered "circling" even if the maneuvering
is well above the MDA and within the VFR traffic pattern?

Any cases to support supporting the prohibition?

Jose
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