Visual Approaches From ATC

Question 1

When can ATC issue a visual approach for an IFR flight by day?

Answer 1

1. The aircraft is within 30NM of the aerodrome; and
2. The pilot has established and can continue flight with visual reference to the ground or water; and
3. Visibility along the flight path is not less than 5000M OR the airport is in sight.

Question 2

When can ATC issue a visual approach for an IFR flight by night?

Answer 2

1. The aircraft is within 30NM of the aerodrome; and
2. The pilot has established and can continue flight with visual reference to the ground or water; and
3. Visibility along the flight path is not less than 5000M; and
4. The aircraft is receiving ATS surveillance and has been assigned the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA) and has been given heading or tracking instructions to establish the aircraft to intercept final or position the aircraft within the circling area.

Question 3

What are the tracking requirements for a visual approach issued by ATC?

Answer 3

1. An aircraft must maintain track/heading on the route progressively authorised by ATC until:
   a. By DAY: within 5nm of the aerodrome; OR
   b. By NIGHT: within the prescribed circling area

Question 4

What are the minimum descent heights for an IFR visual approach issued by ATC by DAY?

Answer 4

1. Not less than 500FT ABV the LL of CTA

2. Not below the lowest safe altitude permissible for VFR flight (500/1000)

Question 5

What are the minimum descent heights for an IFR visual approach issued by ATC by NIGHT?

Answer 5

1. Not below MSA/LSALT; OR
2. Not below appropriate step of DME GPS arrival; OR
3. If receiving ATS surveillance not below last assigned altitude

UNTIL:

a. Within prescribed circling area; OR
b. Within 5NM (7NM for RWY with an ILS) aligned with runway centreline and established not below “on slope” on T-VASIS or PAPI; OR
c. Within 10NM (14NM 16L or 34L at SY) establishes not below ILS glidepath with less than full scale azimuth deflection.

Question 6

Visual approaches may be issued by ATC by day when? &

Must maintain track until when by day? &

Descend as necessary to what by day?

Answer 6

1. Within 30NM
2. Maintain continuous visual reference to ground or water
3. Flight VIS 5000M
4. Within 5NM
5. Remain not less than 500FT ABV CTA LL
6. Operate not below 500/1000 as per VFR LSALT

Question 7

Visual approaches may be issued by ATC by night when? &

Must maintain track until when by night? &

Descend as necessary to what by night?

Answer 7

1. Within 30NM
2. Maintain continuous visual reference to ground or water
3. Flight VIS 5000M
4. Receiving ATS assigned heading or tracking to intercept final or position on circling area
5. Within the circling area
6. Not less than LSALT/MSA/DGA step or 500FT ABV LL of CTA
7. If receiving ARS surveillance not below last assigned altitude
   UNTIL either:
   a. Within circling area; or
   b. 5NM on PAPI/T-VASI; or
   c. 7NM on PAPI/T-VASI (ILS runway); or
   d. 10NM on glide slope (14NM SY 16L/34L)