wrote:

I didn't ask about flight visibility. The rules clearly state that ATC
can only authorize a contact approach if GROUND visibility is reported
to be at least one statute mile.

So, let me ask again. Can you report GROUND visibility from thousands
of feet above the airport?


No.



How about if you're still 10 miles out?


No.



And, further, is that report something a pilot can do anyway, or does
it have to be an official weather report?


It has to be an official weather report.