A pilot operating under IFR requests a contact approach to an airport that has a published standard instrument approach procedure. Which condition must be satisfied for ATC to approve this request?
- AATC may initiate a contact approach any time the reported ceiling is at least 1,000 feet
- BA contact approach may be authorized at any airport, regardless of whether a published instrument approach exists
- CThe approach must be requested by the pilot, the aircraft must be able to remain clear of clouds, and flight visibility must be at least 1 statute mile
- DMinimum visibility for a contact approach must be at least 3 statute miles, the same as for a visual approach
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The approach must be requested by the pilot, the aircraft must be able to remain clear of clouds, and flight visibility must be at least 1 statute mile
A contact approach can only be approved by ATC when requested by the pilot (never initiated by ATC), the destination airport has a published instrument approach procedure, reported ground visibility is at least 1 statute mile, and the pilot can remain clear of clouds with at least 1 statute mile flight visibility.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. ATC cannot initiate a contact approach; it must be pilot-requested.
- B. A contact approach requires the destination to have a published instrument approach procedure.
- D. The visibility requirement for a contact approach is 1 statute mile, not 3, distinguishing it from a visual approach.
Contact Approach
A pilot-requested IFR approach procedure allowing the pilot to proceed visually to an airport with a published instrument approach, while remaining clear of clouds with at least 1 SM flight visibility.
- Must be requested by the pilot, never initiated by ATC
- Requires clear of clouds and 1 SM flight visibility
- Destination must have a published instrument approach procedure
- Reported ground visibility must be at least 1 SM
Memory trick: Contact approach: pilot asks, one mile, clear of the clouds.