Canceling IFR During Approach

IFR cancellation is your decision to end instrument flight and operate under visual flight rules. You might cancel IFR once you are established visually with the runway and the approach path is clear. You might also cancel IFR if you divert to a nearby uncontrolled aerodrome and want to operate without ATC control.

Canceling IFR at the right moment is important. You should not cancel too early (while still in instrument conditions) because then you lose ATC support. You should not cancel too late (after landing) because then you might conflict with departing traffic or other approaching aircraft.