A subset of the Visual Approach is the Charted Visual Flight Procedure (CVFP), such as the depicted River Visual Rwy 19 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in the above picture (for a clear view click on picture).

According to the AIM, a Visual Approach authorizes a pilot flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) to proceed visually to the airport while remaining “clear of clouds.” Clearance for the approach is predicated upon the pilot having either the airport or the preceding identified aircraft in sight and the airport reporting a ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and a visibility of 3 miles or greater. (AIM 5-4-22a)

February 1, 2011 - Recently, there have been several instances of pilots accepting and flying Visual Approaches in marginal Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), raising questions as to their compliance with regulations. Operators and pilots should review and become familiar with the “pilot’s responsibilities” sections of the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) in regards to the conduct of Visual Approaches.