Originally Posted by
Yoda2
Great explanation and correct about the visual approach. The only issue with the practice approach where I seem to differ is this: Say you are flying along VFR and squawking VFR. You decide to make a practice approach using a nearby ILS. You contact approach control and request a "Practice" ILS approach. The controller is going to vector you for a practice ILS approach and typically state that you remain clear of clouds [as you do not have permission to fly this approach IFR] The instructions will typically also state a VFR MAP. During this approach you can of course request to make it a full stop. You also do not need to be IFR current to use this procedure as you are not technically on an IFR clearance, nor could you accept one if not current.
Guessing you are a student pilot? What you are doing is basically flight following / VFR radar advisory, and you are still operating under visual rules. The F16 was operating under IFR but in VMC. In IFR training you have to study the rules and responsibility for separation and traffic control and learn a lot more about ATC management of traffic. Procedurally the VFR practice approaches and IFR approaches can be extremely similar, usually ATC will constantly remind you "remain VFR" when giving vectors and clearing for approach.
Under IFR when in VMC you still must see and avoid, particularly outside of bravo. Thus when using view limiting device you must have a safety pilot per FARs. If you are operating without view limiting device, you can still do practice approaches, but this is a potentially dangerous situation where one might be very tempted to look down without scanning for traffic.
I do this all the time (IFR approaches in VMC), in fact did one yesterday into my home airport. However, it is hammered into you in training that you can't "ride the needles" and look down without scanning, and traffic alerts must be promptly addressed or disaster can result, as did in this case, with loss of 2 lives and 31 million dollars of taxpayer money.
PurpleToolbox post is correct.