11. Visual Separation

Question 1

When can visual separation be used to separate
aircraft ? For IFR (3)

Answer 1

• During a VMC climb or descent when the pilots
  have agreed to maintain their own separation.
• Under specific conditions, in the vicinity of an
  aerodrome.
• Under specific conditions, when an aircraft is
  executing a visual approach and has the
  preceding traffic in sight.

Question 2

During VMC climb and descent what elements are are in effect?

Answer 2

When so requested by an aircraft and provided it is agreed by the pilot of the other aircraft and so authorised by the appropriate ATS authority,
• an ATC unit may clear a controlled flight, including departing and arriving flights,
• operating in airspace Classes D and E in
• visual meteorological conditions
• during the hours of daylight to
• fly subject to maintaining own separation to one other
aircraft and
• remaining in visual meteorological conditions.

Question 3

VMC Climb and Descent
When a controlled flight is so cleared, the following shall apply:

Answer 3

The clearance shall be for a specified portion of
the flight at or below 10 000 ft (3 050m), during
climb or descent and subject to further restrictions as and when prescribed on the basis of regional air navigation agreements;

If there is a possibility that flight under visual meteorological conditions may become
impracticable, an IFR flight shall be provided
with alternative instructions to be complied
with in the event that flight in visual
meteorological conditions (VMC) cannot be
maintained for the term of the clearance;

The pilot of an IFR flight, on observing that conditions are deteriorating and considering that operation in VMC will become impossible, shall inform ATC before entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and shall proceed in accordance with the alternative instructions given. (Needed with Procedural control)

Question 4

REDUCED SEPARATION IN THE VICINITY OF THE AERODROME

Answer 4

Separation minima may be reduced in the vicinity of an aerodrome if:
a) Adequate separation can be provided by the
aerodrome controller when each aircraft is
continuously visible to this controller; or
b) Each aircraft is continuously visible to flight crews of the other aircraft concerned and the pilots thereof
report that they can maintain their own separation;
or
c) In the case of one aircraft following another, the
flight crew of the succeeding aircraft reports that the
other aircraft is in sight and separation can be
maintained.

Question 5

Visual approaches

A clearance for an IFR flight to execute a
visual approach may be: (2)

Answer 5

• Requested by the flight crew or
• Initiated by the controller.*

*In the latter case, the concurrence of
the flight crew shall be required.

Question 6

What shall a controller do in regards to a visual approach?

Answer 6

Controllers shall exercise caution in initiating a
visual approach where there is reason to believe
that the flight crew concerned is not familiar
with the aerodrome and its surrounding terrain.
Controllers should also take into consideration
the prevailing traffic and weather conditions
when initiating visual approaches.

Question 7

What are the pilot requirements for a Visual approach?

Answer 7

An IFR flight may be cleared to execute a visual approach provided the pilot can maintain visual reference to the terrain, and:
- The reported ceiling is at or above the approved initial approach level for the aircraft so cleared;
- The pilot reports at the level of the beginning of the initial approach segment or any time during the instrument approach procedure that the meteorological conditions are such that with reasonable assurance a visual approach and landing can be completed.

Question 8

What are the pilot and ATCO requirements for a Visual approach?

Answer 8

• Separation shall be provided between an aircraft cleared to execute a visual approach and other arriving and departing traffic.
• For successive visual approaches, radar or non-radar separation shall be maintained
  until the pilot of a succeeding aircraft reports having the preceding aircraft in sight.
• The aircraft shall then be instructed to follow and maintain own separation from the preceding aircraft.

When both aircraft are of a heavy wake
turbulence category, or…
- The preceding aircraft is of a heavier wake
turbulence category than the following, and…
- The distance between the aircraft is less than the
appropriate wake turbulence minimum, then…
The controller shall issue a caution of possible wake turbulence.

Question 9

What is Essential Local Traffic?

Answer 9

Information on essential local traffic known to the controller shall be transmitted without delay to
departing and arriving aircraft concerned.
Essential local traffic shall be described so as to be easily identified.

*Essential local traffic in this context consists of any aircraft, vehicle or personnel on or near the runway to be used, or traffic in the take-off and climb-out area or the final approach area, which may constitute a collision hazard to a departing or arriving aircraft