(Snowbird) wrote in
om:

The latter (vis approach clearance without me first calling the
airport in sight), but not the former. At the MIA, both radar
and radio reception will be tenuous -- and at an airport with no
IAP there's no requirement to assure radio reception at a given
altitude as there is with, for example, a MAHP. Operationally,
there are several apparent reasons why it's probably helpful to
go ahead and issue the clearance.

I have to agree that center is incorrect in giving a clearance for a visual
when you don't have the airport in sight. A cruise clearance would be more
appropriate. OTOH, once you receive the clearance, it's not your
responsibility to worry about the legality of ATC issuing it. The only
problem can be that you can't find the airport, or not see the airport when
you get to it. Then you have to get a clearance for an approach, and
center will have to come up with something. You can always request a
cruise clearance. Center may or may not issue it, but it's perfectly OK to
ask for one at any time.

--
Regards,

Stan