AIM 

4/20/23 

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23.  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 of 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. When conducting visual approaches, pilots are 

encouraged to use other available navigational aids to assist in positive lateral and vertical alignment with the 

runway. 

b.  Operating to an Airport Without Weather Reporting Service. 

ATC will advise the pilot when weather 

is not available at the destination airport. ATC may initiate a visual approach provided there is a reasonable 

assurance that weather at the airport is a ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and visibility 3 miles or greater (e.g., area 

weather reports, PIREPs, etc.). 

c.  Operating to an Airport With an Operating Control Tower

. Aircraft may be authorized to conduct a 

visual approach to one runway while other aircraft are conducting IFR or VFR approaches to another parallel, 

intersecting, or converging runway. ATC may authorize a visual approach after advising all aircraft involved that 

other aircraft are conducting operations to the other runway. This may be accomplished through use of the ATIS. 

1. 

When operating to parallel runways separated by less than 2,500 feet, ATC will ensure approved 

separation is provided unless the succeeding aircraft reports sighting the preceding aircraft to the adjacent 

parallel and visual separation is applied. 

2. 

When operating to parallel runways separated by at least 2,500 feet but less than 4,300 feet, ATC will 

ensure approved separation is provided until the aircraft are issued an approach clearance and one pilot has 

acknowledged receipt of a visual approach clearance, and the other pilot has acknowledged receipt of a visual 

or instrument approach clearance, and aircraft are established on a heading or established on a direct course to 

a fix or cleared on an RNAV/instrument approach procedure which will intercept the extended centerline of the 

runway at an angle not greater than 30 degrees. 

3. 

When operating to parallel runways separated by 4,300 feet or more, ATC will ensure approved 

separation is provided until one of the aircraft has been issued and the pilot has acknowledged receipt of the visual 

approach clearance, and each aircraft is assigned a heading, or established on a direct course to a fix, or cleared 

on an RNAV/instrument approach procedure which will allow the aircraft to intercept the extended centerline 

of the runway at an angle not greater than 30 degrees. 

NOTE

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The intent of the 30 degree intercept angle is to reduce the potential for overshoots of the final and to preclude side

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by

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side 

operations with one or both aircraft in a belly

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up configuration during the turn

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on. 

d.  Clearance for Visual Approach.

 At locations with an operating control tower, ATC will issue approach 

clearances that will include an assigned runway. At locations without an operating control tower or where a 

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time tower is closed, ATC will issue a visual approach clearance to the airport only. 

e.  Separation Responsibilities. 

If the pilot has the airport in sight but cannot see the aircraft to be followed, 

ATC may clear the aircraft for a visual approach; however, ATC retains both separation and wake vortex 

separation responsibility. When visually following a preceding aircraft, acceptance of the visual approach 

clearance constitutes acceptance of pilot responsibility for maintaining a safe approach interval and adequate 

wake turbulence separation. 

f. 

A visual approach is not an IAP and therefore has no missed approach segment. If a go

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around is necessary 

for any reason, aircraft operating at controlled airports will be issued an appropriate clearance or instruction by 

the tower to enter the traffic pattern for landing or proceed as otherwise instructed. In either case, the pilot is 

responsible to maintain terrain and obstruction avoidance until reaching an ATC assigned altitude if issued, and 

Arrival Procedures

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