7−4−3. CLEARANCE FOR VISUAL
APPROACH
ARTCCs and approach controls may clear aircraft for
visual approaches using the following procedures:
NOTE
−
Towers may exercise this authority when authorized by a
LOA with the facility that provides the IFR service, or by
a facility directive at collocated facilities.
a.
Controllers may initiate, or pilots may request,
a visual approach even when an aircraft is being
vectored for an instrument approach and the pilot
subsequently reports:
1.
The airport or the runway in sight at airports
with operating control towers.
2.
The airport in sight at airports without a
control tower.
b.
Resolve potential conflicts with all other
aircraft, advise an overtaking aircraft of the distance
to the preceding aircraft and speed difference, and
ensure that weather conditions at the airport are VFR
or that the pilot has been informed that weather is not
available for the destination airport. Upon pilot
request, advise the pilot of the frequency to receive
weather information where AWOS/ASOS is available.
PHRASEOLOGY
−
(Call sign) (control instructions as required) CLEARED
VISUAL APPROACH RUNWAY (number);
or
(Call sign) (control instructions as required) CLEARED
VISUAL APPROACH TO (airport name)
(and if appropriate)
WEATHER NOT AVAILABLE OR VERIFY THAT YOU
HAVE THE (airport) WEATHER.
REFERENCE
−
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 7−2−1, Visual Separation.
c.
Clear an aircraft for a visual approach when:
1.
The aircraft is number one in the approach
sequence, or
2.
The aircraft is to follow a preceding aircraft
and the pilot reports the preceding aircraft in sight and
is instructed to follow it, or
NOTE
−
The pilot need not report the airport/runway in sight.
3.
The pilot reports the airport or runway in sight
but not the preceding aircraft. Radar separation must
be maintained until visual separation is provided.
d.
All aircraft following a heavy jet/B757 must be
informed of the airplane manufacturer and/or model.
EXAMPLE
−
“Cessna Three Four Juliet, following a Boeing 757, 12
o’clock, six miles.”
or
“Cessna Three Four Juliet, following a Seven fifty seven,
12 o’clock, six miles.”
REFERENCE
−
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para.2
−4−21, Description of Aircraft Types.
e.
Inform the tower of the aircraft’s position prior
to communications transfer at controlled airports.
ARTS/STARS functions may be used provided a
facility directive or LOA specifies control and
communication transfer points.
f.
In addition to the requirements of para 7−4−2,
Vectors for Visual Approach, and subparas a, b, c, d,
and e, ensure that the location of the destination
airport is provided when the pilot is asked to report
the destination airport in sight.
g.
In those instances where airports are located in
close proximity, also provide the location of the
airport that may cause the confusion.
EXAMPLE
−
“Cessna Five Six November, Cleveland Burke Lakefront
Airport is at 12 o’clock, 5 miles. Cleveland Hopkins
Airport is at 1 o’clock 12 miles. Report Cleveland Hopkins
in sight.”
REFERENCE
−
FAAO JO 7110.65, Para 7−4−4, Approaches to Multiple Runways.
