Visual approaches offer pilots an opportunity to remain within the IFR system but fly direct to the airport on their own. Once ATC issues a visual approach, however, responsibility for navigation and terrain clearance is transferred from the ground to the cockpit. Avionics manufacturers recently began adding visual-approach capabilities to their navigation suites to create an extended runway centerline and an imaginary final approach fix. Unfortunately, computer-drawn visuals do not provide terrain or obstacle clearance. This month’s approach, Aspen’s Roaring Fork visual, does provide terrain and obstacle clearance, assuming, of course, the pilot adheres to the recommended altitudes.
Chart Wise: Training and Technique
Key Takeaways:
- Aspen's Roaring Fork visual approach, unlike generic avionics visuals, provides terrain and obstacle clearance if recommended altitudes are followed, although pilot responsibility for navigation is transferred.
- This highly restrictive procedure requires specific weather minimums (over 6,000-foot ceiling and 10 miles visibility), active radar assistance, and is strictly prohibited after dark due to terrain.
- It notably lacks traditional initial and final approach fixes, relying on a radar controller to define its starting point, and provides no official vertical guidance until the pilot can visually acquire the Runway 15 PAPI on final.
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