Airline Pilot Central Forums - Contact Approach question

From the controller's handbook:

7
−4−6. CONTACT APPROACH

Clear an aircraft for a contact approach only if the

following conditions are met:

a. The pilot has requested it.

NOTE
−

When executing a contact approach, the pilot is

responsible for maintaining the required flight visibility,

cloud clearance, and terrain/obstruction clearance.

Unless otherwise restricted, the pilot may find it necessary

to descend, climb, and/or fly a circuitous route to the

airport to maintain cloud clearance and/or terrain/

obstruction clearance. It is not in any way intended that

controllers will initiate or suggest a contact approach to a

pilot.

b.

The reported ground visibility is at least

1 statute mile.

A standard or special instrument approach

procedure has been published and is functioning for

the airport of intended landing.

Approved separation is applied between

aircraft so cleared and other IFR or SVFR aircraft.

When applying vertical separation, do not assign a

fixed altitude but clear the aircraft at or below an

altitude which is at least 1,000 feet below any IFR

traffic but not below the minimum safe altitude

prescribed in 14 CFR Section 91.119.

NOTE
−

14 CFR Section 91.119 specifies the minimum safe altitude

to be flown:

(a) Anywhere.

(b) Over congested areas.

(c) Other than congested areas. To provide for an

emergency landing in the event of power failure and

without undue hazard to persons or property on the

surface.

(d) Helicopters. May be operated at less than the

minimums prescribed in paras (b) and (c) above if the

operation is conducted without hazard to persons or

property on the surface.

e.

An alternative clearance is issued when weather

conditions are such that a contact approach may be

impracticable.

PHRASEOLOGY
−

CLEARED CONTACT APPROACH,

And if required,

AT OR BELOW (altitude) (routing).

IF NOT POSSIBLE, (alternative procedures), AND

ADVISE

So no visibility relief for following another aircraft but they do have to separate traffic.