Instrument training is naturally geared towards technology-heavy procedures like ILS, VOR and RNAV approaches. In poor weather these instrument procedures are the only way to land, but when the weathers good, theres another option.
Visual approaches are ATC authorizations on an IFR flight plan that allow pilots to navigate visually to an airport, relying on basic VFR skills in good weather.
A visual approach can be cleared by ATC once the pilot reports sighting either the airport or the preceding aircraft they are instructed to follow.
Accepting a visual approach transfers responsibility to the pilot for navigation, descent, maintaining a safe interval, and wake turbulence separation (if following traffic).
Visual approaches have no defined missed approach procedure; a go-around is treated as an IFR departure, requiring contact with ATC for further instructions, and must be conducted clear of clouds.
Instrument training is naturally geared towards technology-heavy procedures like ILS, VOR and RNAV approaches. In poor weather these instrument procedures are the only way to land, but when the weather’s good, there’s another option.
Enter the visual approach
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