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Visual Approach

General

An IFR flight normally ends with an instrument approach to the runway. In addition to the standard approaches (e.g., ILS, GLS, RNP, VOR, NDB), there is another option: the visual approach.

Contrary to popular belief, the visual approach is an IFR procedure - meaning the pilot remains under IFR rules the entire time, and the controller must ensure separation accordingly. The pilot maintains visual contact with the ground during the approach and is responsible for obstacle clearance.

A visual approach may be used for various reasons, such as:

  • Thunderstorms in the approach sector

  • Shortening the approach path in good weather

    • Saving time and fuel

  • Unavailability of other instrument approach procedures

  • Failure of onboard aircraft sensors

  • Priority flights (e.g., medical or emergency flights)

  • Visual approaches with runway change on final for shorter taxi times

Requirements and Restrictions

When to apply?

An IFR visual approach may only be cleared if all of the following conditions are met:

  • The visual approach is coordinated between approach and tower controllers

  • The pilot can maintain visual reference with the ground throughout the approach

  • The ceiling (BKN / OVC) is not lower than the beginning of the Initial Approach Segment, or the aircraft is already below the ceiling, or the pilot reports that weather conditions permit a safe visual approach and landing, or the controller suggests the procedure and the pilot accepts under these conditions

In Germany, visual approaches are generally permitted at night.

Additional points to consider:

  • The controller must ensure separation from other traffic according to airspace class, unless delegation is applied (see below)

  • With clearance for a visual approach, the pilot is responsible for obstacle clearance

  • If the pilot previously received radar vectors, the visual approach may only be cleared if the pilot reports the airport or preceding aircraft in sight

  • For runway changes during final, the controller must assign a custom missed approach procedure

A visual approach can be conducted under IMC if the above conditions are met

Where to apply?

According to AIP ENR 1.5, visual approaches are permitted at all German airports with IFR procedures, though often subject to noise abatement restrictions. Details can be found in the AIP and SOPs of the respective airport.

Exception: At airports within an RMZ (Radio Mandatory Zone), visual approaches are generally not permitted.

All local restrictions are generally not applicable:

  • For emergencies

  • During significant weather (e.g., thunderstorms) in the approach sector

  • For flights with STS/HOSP, STS/SAR, STS/FLTCK status

  • In case of unexpected failure of navigation aids for the original instrument approach

  • In case of unexpected unavailability of all instrument approaches

Delegation of Separation

In principle, the controller remains responsible for separation from other traffic in accordance with the airspace class (e.g., from other IFR traffic in Class C, D, and E airspace, and from VFR traffic in Class C).

Exception: Only during daylight, separation to the preceding aircraft may be delegated to the pilot during a visual approach. The pilot is then responsible for maintaining adequate spacing. In this case, radar separation and, if applicable, wake turbulence separation do not apply.
However, if the separation becomes less than the required wake turbulence spacing, a wake turbulence warning must be issued.

Phraseology Examples

Example 1: The pilot is currently able to conduct a visual approach under the above conditions:

Pilot: "Request visual approach runway 25"
ATC: "Cleared visual approach runway 25"

Example 2: The pilot plans a visual approach but cannot yet meet the conditions:

Pilot: "Request vectors for visual approach runway 25"

Once the pilot can meet the conditions:

Pilot: "Able (to accept) visual approach runway 25"
ATC: "Cleared visual approach runway 25"

Example 3: The controller suggests a visual approach:

ATC: "Advise able (to accept) visual approach runway 25"
Pilot: "Able (to accept) visual approach runway 25"
ATC: "Cleared visual approach runway 25"

Example 4: The controller suggests a runway change on final:

ATC: "Advise able (to accept) visual approach runway 25L?"
Pilot: "Able (to accept) visual approach runway 25L"
ATC: "Cleared visual approach runway 25L, in case of missed approach climb on runway track to 5.000 feet"

Example 5: The controller delegates separation to the preceding aircraft:

ATC: "Report Airbus A320 at 10 o'clock position, 5 miles, in sight"
Pilot: "Traffic in sight"
ATC: "Number 2, follow mentioned traffic, maintain own separation, caution wake turbulence"
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