What is a "visual approach" in aviation?

A visual approach in aviation is a procedure that allows pilots to land an aircraft by establishing visual reference to the runway while operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This means that the pilots are able to see the airport and runway environment, which helps them transition from the enroute phase of flight to landing.

When a pilot conducts a visual approach, they navigate to the airport visually instead of relying solely on instruments. This type of approach can enhance efficiency, as it often allows for direct routing to the runway and can reduce delays, especially in busy air traffic environments. It's important to note that even during a visual approach, pilots must still comply with FAA regulations and maintain communication with air traffic control.

In contrast to the other choices, a visual approach does not rely exclusively on instruments or require IFR clearance in the same manner as a standard instrument approach. It is specifically utilized when the conditions allow the pilot to maintain visual reference to the runway, making it a clearer and more straightforward way to complete the landing under the right circumstances.