Visual Approach
A visual approach is an approach conducted by an IFR aircraft in which the aircraft is authorized to proceed to the destination airport by visual reference to the terrain, dispensing with the instrument approach procedure. ATC may authorize a visual approach when the pilot has the airport in sight or when the pilot reports the preceding aircraft in sight and is able to maintain visual separation.
Authorization Requirements
- VMC (flight visibility ≥ 3 SM and ceiling ≥ 1,000 ft at the destination)
- Pilot must have either the airport or the preceding aircraft in sight and accept visual separation
- ATC must authorize the visual approach — it is not pilot-initiated unless in VMC and ATC-approved
Visual Approach vs. Contact Approach
A visual approach is initiated and controlled by ATC. A contact approach is specifically requested by the pilot and permits flight below the clouds using ground reference when below the cloud ceiling, provided visibility is at least 1 SM.
Related Terms
See also: IFR, VMC, Final Approach.