Visual Approach

Question 1

What is the Visual Approach Enroute Requirements by Day ?

Answer 1

For IFR flight
(1) By day:
- Within 30 NM of Aerodrome; and
- Pilot has established and can continue to fly to the aerodrome with continuous reference to ground or water;
- And Visibility not less then 5000M Aeroplane 800M Helicopter or the aerodrome in site

Question 2

What is the Visual Approach Enroute Requirements by Night ?

Answer 2

(2) By night when
- Pilot has established and can continue to fly to the aerodrome with continuous reference to ground or water;
- And Visibility of not less 5000; and
- The aircraft is within 30 NM of the aerodrome; or
- If being Vectored, the flight has been assigned the MVA and given a heading and tracking instructions to intercept final or to position the aircraft with in the circling area of the aerodrome.

Question 3

What are the tracking requirements for a Visual Approach

Answer 3

Except when on a star, the pilot must maintain track and heading on route progressively authorised by ATC until:
a. by day 5 NM of the aerodrome; or
b. By night, the aerodrome is within site and the aircraft is within:
(1) the prescribed circling area for an IFR flight ( CAT C 4.2, CAT D 5.28 )
2.11.3.5 When tracking via a star and subsequently cleared for a visual approach, the pilot must continue to follow the lateral profile of the STAR, including any visual or instrument termination route.

Question 4

What are Minimum altitude Requirements by Day GEN 2.11.3.7

Answer 4

(1) IFR flight remain not less then 500ft above the lower limit of the CTA
(2) For IFR and VFR flight, operate not below the lowest altitude permissible for VFR flight

Question 5

What are Minimum altitude Requirements by night

Answer 5

b) by night:
(1) For IFR flight:
- maintain an altitude not less then the route segment LSALT/MSA or the appropriate step of the DME/GNSS Arrival procedure, or 500FT above the lower limit of the CTA if that is higher;
- If being vectored, operate not below the last assigned altitude;
Until the aircraft is:
Within the prescribed circling area for the category of aircraft or higher category, where the limitations of the higher category are complied with, and the aerodrome is in sight; or
- Within 5 NM ( 7NM for a runway equipped with an ILS/GLS) of the aerodrome; aligned with the runway centreline and established not below “On slope” on the T VASIS or PAPI; or
- Within 10 NM ( 14 NM for RUNWAY 16L and 34L in SYDNEY) of the aerodrome, established not below the ILS/GLS glide path with less then full scale azimuth deflection

Question 6

What are some other requirements for a Visual Approach?

Answer 6

2.11.38 When conducting a visual approach, a pilot in command must not climb above an altitude reported to ATC as having been reached or left, unless authorised to do so.
2.11.39 A pilot in command operating under IFR who desires a visual approach and is satisfied the visual conditions can be meet must report visual. A pilot who is unable to continue a visual approach which has been authorised by ATC must immediately advice ATC

Question 7

What are CAT C speeds

Answer 7

Cat C 4.2NM
Missed approach Max 240kts
Visual circling 180kts
Initial 240-180
Final 160-115
Threshold 140-121

Question 8

Cat D speeds and circling

Answer 8

Cat D 5.28 NM
Missed approach 265kts
Circling 205kts
Initial 185-250kts
Final 130- 185 kts
Vat 141-165 kts