Jay Honeck wrote:

2. We often hear commercial airliners "cleared for the visual approach" into
thus-and-such an airport. However, we *also* often hear commercial
airliners "cleared for the ILS Rwy 14 approach" (for example) -- even though
conditions in the area are perfectly CAVU.

Jay, many times when flying back to my home airport I will request the
visual and still be vectored for the ILS and told to intercept the
localizer.

I had always assumed that this was done by the controller for sequencing
into the airport.

Also, in my experience when flying into Teterboro, all aircraft are given
a VOR-A approach (circling VOR approach) in visual conditions by the
approach facility, but after getting closer and calling the airport in
sight, are then cleared for a visual approach. Again, my understanding is
that this is done to facilitate arrival sequencing.

--
Peter