Opinions please:

Never been known to withhold them.

Hailey Idaho, KSUN, daytime, ndb dme approach (circling only minima),
map is 5.3 nm back from threshhold, minima are 8000 ft (2681) and 5
miles, with "fly visual to airport" annotation.

1. Since 5.3 nm is just over 6 sm, is this not contrary to the FAR's,
in that you can fly visual to the airport, even though at the map you
cannot see the airport?

You can fly (keep the dirty side down and navigate) visually without
seeing the airport.

2. What would be the legality of deciding just prior to the map that
you've just enough visibility and ceiling for vfr, though well below
the 5 sm in the approach visibility minimums, and continuing vfr until
the field is in site, and landing? Assume that frequency congestion
did not allow you time to cancel ifr.

I do not take "fly visual" to be "fly under VFR". On the approach you
are still under instrument flight RULES and the airspace is still
protected from other IFR aircraft. You are not required to cancel IFR
to "fly visual to the airport". You remain IFR until you land, or (at
the pilot's option) have actual VFR conditions that continue to the
airport.

Jose
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