Newps wrote in message news:0jTdc.112869$K91.324392@attbi_s02...

You don't take a visual approach until you're sure you can find the
airport visually.

You don't accept a visual until you can actually see the aiport.

That constitutes being sure you can find it, UNLESS you can also see
that you won't be able to see the airport between "now" and the time
you land (e.g. you can see it through a hole in the overcast). Being
able to see the aiport isn't enough. You need to be sure you can find
it and land at it.

It's very unusual, and not a good idea, to accept or request a visual
approach if you're not already sure you can make it.

No it's not. There's no reason to be sure you'll get the visual to
request to go have a look see at the MVA.

Going lower is not the same as accepting a visual approach.