FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Navigation and ATCMedium
An IFR flight is on an instrument approach in marginal weather when the pilot requests a contact approach instead of continuing the published procedure. Which condition must be met for ATC to authorize a contact approach?
- AThe pilot must cancel IFR prior to requesting the approach
- BThe airport must be reporting at least a 1,000-foot ceiling and 3 statute miles visibility
- CThe flight must remain clear of clouds and have at least 1 statute mile flight visibility, with reasonable expectation of continuing to the airport
- DATC must initiate the contact approach; pilots may not request it
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The flight must remain clear of clouds and have at least 1 statute mile flight visibility, with reasonable expectation of continuing to the airport
A contact approach may be authorized only when requested by the pilot, the aircraft remains clear of clouds, flight visibility is at least 1 statute mile, and the pilot reasonably expects to continue to the airport of intended landing in those conditions. The IFR flight plan remains in effect throughout.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. IFR is not canceled; the flight remains on an IFR flight plan during a contact approach.
- B. That ceiling/visibility combination describes visual approach criteria, not contact approach.
- D. Only the pilot may request a contact approach; ATC cannot initiate it.
Contact Approach
A pilot-requested approach procedure conducted clear of clouds with at least 1 SM flight visibility while remaining on an IFR flight plan.
- Must be requested by the pilot, never initiated by ATC
- Requires 1 SM flight visibility and clear of clouds
- IFR flight plan remains active throughout the approach
Memory trick: 'Contact = Clear-of-clouds, one-mile Contact request'