(iFly) wrote

Bob Moore, please read carefully what I wrote - I did not
say that IFR is a type of instrument apporach. I used the
terms IFR and Instrument[Flight Rules] interchengeably
in this context.

There are a number of defined instrument approach types - Visual and
Contact approaches are just two of these types. They are Instrument
approaches, don't get this wrong and dont get confused by the fact
that they are not nesseserily executed in IMC.

The use of these types of Instrument approaches have been discussed in
the IFR Magazine, if you guys read it - and I am not punting that
magazine here...

I have just noticed the ".za" in your address, so our terminology
might be somewhat different...however our FAA AIM does not define
"Visual" and "Contact" as types of instrument approaches. I have
quoted the appropriate AIM sections below.
In addition...you cannot use "IFR' and "Instrument" interchangeably,
you did not include the brackets [Flight Rules] in your original post.
Visual and Instrument are two different means of directing the flight
path of an aircraft.


AIM 5-4-7. Instrument Approach Procedures
d. At times ATC may not specify a particular approach procedure in
the clearance, but will state "CLEARED APPROACH." Such clearance
indicates that the pilot may execute any one of the authorized IAPs
for that airport. This clearance does not constitute approval for
the pilot to execute a contact approach or a visual approach.
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5-4-21. Visual Approach
a. A visual approach is conducted on an IFR flight plan and authorizes
a pilot to proceed visually and clear of clouds to the airport. The
pilot must have either the airport or the preceding identified aircraft
in sight.
This approach must be authorized and controlled by the appropriate
air traffic control facility. Reported weather at the airport must have
a ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and visibility 3 miles or greater.
ATC may authorize this type approach when it will be operationally
beneficial. Visual approaches are an IFR procedure conducted under IFR
in visual meteorological conditions. Cloud clearance requirements of
14 CFR Section 91.155 are not applicable, unless required by operation
specifications.
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5-4-23. Contact Approach
c. A contact approach is an approach procedure that may be used by a
pilot (with prior authorization from ATC) in lieu of conducting a
standard or special IAP to an airport. It is not intended for use by
a pilot on an IFR flight clearance to operate to an airport not having
a published and functioning IAP. Nor is it intended for an aircraft
to conduct an instrument approach to one airport and then, when "in
the clear," discontinue that approach and proceed to another airport.
In the execution of a contact approach, the pilot assumes the
responsibility for obstruction clearance. If radar service is being
received, it will automatically terminate when the pilot is instructed
to change to advisory frequency.
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