A pilot in VMC requests a contact approach to a towered airport that has a published instrument approach procedure. Which of the following is a requirement that distinguishes a contact approach from a visual approach?
- AA contact approach may be initiated by either ATC or the pilot, just like a visual approach
- BThe contact approach must be initiated by the pilot, and only 1 mile flight visibility and clear-of-clouds conditions are required
- CA contact approach requires the destination airport to be reporting a ceiling of at least 1,000 feet and visibility of 3 statute miles
- DA contact approach does not require an instrument approach procedure to be published for the airport
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The contact approach must be initiated by the pilot, and only 1 mile flight visibility and clear-of-clouds conditions are required
A contact approach must be requested by the pilot (never initiated by ATC), requires the aircraft to remain clear of clouds with at least 1 mile flight visibility and a reasonable expectation of continuing to the airport in those conditions, and the destination airport must have a published instrument approach procedure. This differs from a visual approach, which may be initiated by ATC, generally requires the pilot to have the airport or a preceding aircraft in sight, and typically requires reported ceiling of 1,000 feet and visibility of 3 statute miles when ATC-initiated.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Unlike visual approaches, ATC can never initiate a contact approach.
- C. That 1,000-3 requirement applies to ATC-initiated visual approaches, not contact approaches.
- D. A contact approach specifically requires a published instrument approach procedure for the destination, unlike this claim.
Contact Approach
A pilot-requested approach clearance allowing an aircraft operating clear of clouds with at least 1 mile flight visibility to proceed to an airport with a published instrument approach procedure, without following the published approach.
- Must be requested by the pilot, never assigned by ATC
- Requires 1 SM flight visibility, clear of clouds
- Airport must have a published IAP
- Pilot must reasonably expect to continue to the airport
Memory trick: Contact = 'I call it, 1 mile, clear of clouds'; Visual = 'ATC or pilot, airport in sight'