Visual Approaches

Definition

A visual approach is an IFR procedure in which the pilot is cleared by ATC to visually navigate to the airport or runway without following a full instrument approach. While still under IFR, the pilot assumes responsibility for maintaining terrain and traffic separation visually once the visual approach clearance is received. This procedure is commonly used in good weather (VMC) to expedite traffic flow and reduce controller workload.

Purpose

Allow faster and more flexible sequencing of arriving traffic
Enable pilots to conduct direct and efficient approaches
Reduce workload by avoiding full procedure turns or STARs
Optimize traffic management in visual meteorological conditions

Requirements for a Visual Approach (ICAO/ATC conditions)

Requirement	Description
Visual reference	Pilot must have the runway, airport, or preceding aircraft in sight
VMC	Conditions must meet or exceed VFR visibility and cloud clearance
ATC clearance	Visual approach must be explicitly cleared by ATC
Pilot responsibility	Maintain separation from terrain and other aircraft once cleared

Key Characteristics

The aircraft is still on an IFR flight plan
No specific approach chart or procedure is flown
May be requested by the pilot or offered by ATC
Allows for shortcuts and direct traffic integration
Can be cancelled or changed to instrument approach if visibility is lost

Phraseology Examples

ATC	Pilot Response
“Cleared visual approach runway 27.”	“Cleared visual approach runway 27, OE-ABC.”
“Report runway in sight.”	“Runway in sight, OE-XYZ.”
“Maintain visual separation, follow traffic ahead.”	“Maintaining visual, following traffic, OE-GHI.”

Visual Approach vs. VFR Arrival

Feature	Visual Approach	VFR Arrival
Flight rules	IFR	VFR
Clearance	Required from ATC	VFR join or self-announced
Separation	Pilot assumes responsibility once cleared	Entirely pilot-managed
Meteorological Conditions	VMC required	VMC required
Common Usage	IFR arrivals in VMC	VFR traffic or uncontrolled airfields

When to Request or Expect a Visual Approach

In clear weather, when the runway or airport is in sight
To avoid delays caused by instrument traffic
In busy terminal areas to follow and visually sequence with traffic
At familiar airports with published VFR corridors or city avoidance routes

Considerations and Limitations

✅ Ensure visual contact is established and maintained
✅ Be prepared to switch back to instrument approach if necessary
✅ Understand terrain, minimum altitudes, and potential for disorientation
❌ Do not accept a visual approach if unsure about terrain or weather

Tips for Pilots

Review airport layout, circuit direction, and noise abatement before accepting
Use charted visual segments or VFR arrival routes if available
Monitor TCAS, radio traffic, and maintain separation visually
Practice visual approaches in LearnATC mixed-IFR scenarios