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  • Chapter 4: Approaches › Visual Approaches

    Visual and Contact Approaches To expedite traffic, ATC may clear pilots for a visual approach in lieu of the published approach procedure if flight conditions permit. Requesting a contact approach may be advantageous since it requires less time than ... published IAP and provides separation from IFR and special visual flight rules (SVFR) traffic. A contact or visual approach may be used in lieu of conducting a SIAP, and both allow the flight to continue as an IFR flight…

  • Chapter 5. Air Traffic Procedures › Section 4. Arrival Procedures › 5-4-23. Visual Approach

    Visual Approach a. A visual approach is conducted on an IFR flight plan and authorizes a pilot to proceed visually and clear of clouds to the airport. The pilot must have either the airport or the preceding identified aircraft ... sight. This approach must be authorized and controlled by the appropriate air traffic control facility. Reported weather at the airport must have a ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and visibility 3 miles or greater. ATC may authorize this…

  • Chapter 4: Approaches › Contact Approaches

    Contact Approaches If conditions permit, pilots can request a contact approach, which is then authorized by the controller. A contact approach cannot be initiated by ATC. This procedure may be used instead of the published procedure to expedite arrival ... long as the airport has a SIAP the reported ground visibility is at least 1 SM, and pilots are able to remain clear of clouds with at least one statute mile flight visibility throughout the approach. Some advantages…

  • Chapter 5. Air Traffic Procedures › Section 4. Arrival Procedures › 5-4-25. Contact Approach

    turbulence separation. k. Pilots should advise ATC if at any point they are unable to continue an approach or lose sight of a preceding aircraft. Missed approaches will be handled as a go-around. l. When conducting visual approaches, pilots ... other available navigational aids to assist in positive lateral and vertical alignment with the assigned runway. 5-4-25. Contact Approach a. Pilots operating in accordance with an IFR flight plan, provided they are clear of clouds and have…

  • Chapter 5. Air Traffic Procedures › Section 5. Pilot/Controller Roles and Responsibilities › 5-5-11. Visual Approach

    Controller. 1. Do not clear an aircraft for a visual approach unless reported weather at the airport is ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and visibility is 3 miles or greater. When weather is not available for the destination ... airport, inform the pilot and do not initiate a visual approach to that airport unless there is reasonable assurance that descent and flight to the airport can be made visually. 2. Issue visual approach clearance when the pilot reports sighting…