While on an IFR flight plan in VMC near the destination, ATC advises a pilot 'Report the airport in sight' and subsequently clears the flight for a visual approach. Which condition must be met before ATC can issue this clearance?
- AThe pilot must have the airport or a preceding aircraft to follow in sight, and the reported ceiling and visibility must meet basic VFR minimums
- BThe pilot must first fly the full published instrument approach procedure to the airport
- CATC may only issue a visual approach clearance at a towered airport with an operating control tower
- DThe pilot must cancel IFR before receiving the clearance
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The pilot must have the airport or a preceding aircraft to follow in sight, and the reported ceiling and visibility must meet basic VFR minimums
A visual approach clearance requires the pilot to have either the airport or a preceding aircraft to be followed in sight, and requires that reported weather conditions be at or above basic VFR minimums for the approach control facility to initiate the clearance. It does not require canceling IFR, does not require an operating tower, and replaces rather than requires flying the full published procedure.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A visual approach substitutes for, rather than requires, the full published approach.
- C. Visual approaches can be issued at towered or nontowered airports.
- D. IFR remains in effect during a visual approach; cancellation is not required.
Visual Approach Clearance
ATC may clear an IFR flight for a visual approach when the pilot reports the airport or preceding traffic in sight and weather conditions support visual maneuvering, allowing expedited arrival while remaining on the IFR flight plan.
- Requires airport or preceding aircraft in sight
- Weather must support safe visual maneuvering to the runway
- Aircraft remains on the IFR flight plan during the approach
Memory trick: 'See it, clear it' — visual contact triggers the visual approach clearance.