Cessna 404 Titan
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 5000; Flight Crew Type 200
Confusion; Situational Awareness
Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
I was cleared to land Runway 15; while 8 miles from the airport. My company traffic was preceding me to the airport. Prior to company traffic landing; the Tower had an F-16 which was in the traffic pattern; execute a go-around. As I neared the airport; the Tower advised me of the F-16 in the traffic pattern. I noticed the F-16 on a downwind for Runway 21. As I neared approximately a mile final for Runway 15; I noticed the F-16 on an approximate 1 mile final for Runway 21. At this time I questioned the Controller if I was cleared to land Runway 15. The Controller said yes; that I was number 2. At this point I decided to initiate a left 360; to re-enter final for Runway 15 and land. As I initiated my turn; I advised the Controller that I was making a left 360. The Controller said nothing. As I was about 180 degrees into my turn; I verified with the Controller that I was cleared to land on Runway 15. The Controller confirmed that I was cleared to land [Runway] 15. Upon discussing this with my Director of Operations and Director of Safety; it was mentioned that I should have initiated a go-around straight ahead; as that airspace 'should' be cleared ahead of me. It was also made mention that if traffic had been behind me; it could have created a conflict. With the situational awareness I had; I knew there was no conflicting traffic behind me; and with the F-16's go-around before the preceding company traffic; I could not guarantee that the airspace was cleared ahead of me. Also; my turn to the left put me closer to the traffic; rather than away from it; so a right turn may have been a better option. I choose the left; since I was single pilot and my view is best in a left turn. Corrective action; speak up sooner if something doesn't seem right!!!
IFR Twin inbound to FSD elected to execute a 360 degree turn on final without ATC approval because of military traffic operating on an intersecting runway.