Originally Posted by
BlackPaw
There is some debate on a particular aspect of a contact approach among some of my buddies.
They say that you can request and perform a contact approach if you can see an aircraft ahead of you that is either also on a contact approach or on an ILS and you do not have to meet the visibility requirements specified in the AIM.
I just can't see where following an aircraft exempts you from the visibility required.
AIM 5-4-25 and 5-5-3 states the following:
"By requesting the contact approach, indicates that the flight is operating clear of clouds, has at least one mile flight visibility, and reasonably expects to continue to the destination airport in those conditions."
Any input?
Blackpaw,
Your friends are confused between a visual approach and a contact approach.
ATC may assign a visual approach, and the pilot must have either the airport in sight, or the preceding aircraft.
A pilot must request a contact approach, and it is predicated on the ability to remain clear of clouds with at least one mile visibility. There is no provision in a contact approach for following another aircraft, insofar as a criteria for the clearance.
Separation from IFR and VFR traffic is provided during a contact appreoach, until the pilot switches to the advisory frequency. In the case of a visual approach, however, if the pilot accepts the clearance based on the preceding aircraft in sight, the pilot takes responsibility for separation.
A contact approach is an approach procedure. A visual approach is not an instrument approach procedure.