"Jim Macklin" wrote in message
news:4Tv%f.3147$8q.416@dukeread08...

You can always request a contact approach and fly any
altitude and path including the normal VFR pattern and still
be "on an IFR clearance." If you are working for an
operator who does not allow cancellation of IFR, then it is
up to the PIC to determine the method required to comply
with IAP and VFR traffic pattern. Read about a "contact
approach" and if you're making an approach that will require
circling, and there is VFR traffic, advise ATC that you will
be requesting a contact approach when you at in VMC
conditions.


--
James H. Macklin
ATP,CFI,A&P


5-4-23. Contact Approach

a. Pilots operating in accordance with an IFR flight plan, provided they are
clear of clouds and have at least 1 mile flight visibility and can
reasonably expect to continue to the destination airport in those
conditions, may request ATC authorization for a contact approach.

As I mentioned in the amendment to the OP, the King Air broke out at
2000msl, and from there had no comm with center. I think he was stuck with
the approach he was cleared for.



Al