A contact approach is an approach procedure that may be used by a pilot (with prior authorization from ATC) in lieu of conducting a standard or special IAP to an airport
An example where this becomes necessary is if the ground visibility is reported too low for a visual/VFR approach, but the flight visibility is clearly acceptable and the field is in sight
Pilots operating in accordance with an IFR flight plan, provided they meet the requirements, can reasonably expect to continue to the destination airport in those conditions, and may request ATC authorization for a contact approach
It is likely the tower is either in or receiving reports from sensors that the field is IFR
Not intended for use by a pilot on an IFR flight clearance to operate to an airport not having a published and functioning IAP nor is it intended for an aircraft to conduct an instrument approach to one airport and then, when "in the clear" discontinue that approach and proceed to another airport
Nor is it intended for an aircraft to conduct an instrument approach to one airport and then, when "in the clear," discontinue that approach and proceed to another airport
Pilot assumes responsibility for obstruction clearance
If under radar services, they will terminate when the pilot is instructed to change to an advisory frequency/tower
Provides approved separation between aircraft cleared for a contact approach and other IFR or special VFR aircraft
When using vertical separation, does not assign a fixed altitude, but clears the aircraft at or below an altitude which is at least 1000' below any IFR traffic, but not below MSA (91.119)
Begins where the approach is approved and terminates automatically when told to contact tower
Contact Approach Requirements:
Pilot Requirements:
The pilot has specifically requested the approach (ATC cannot solicit)
Pilot: "[Callsign] request contact approach"
Clear of clouds
1 mile of flight visibility
The pilot has reasonable expectations to continue in above conditions
The pilot must advise ATC the moment any of the above are not true
Controller Requirements:
Again, that the pilot has specifically requested the approach
The reported ground visibility is at least 1 mile
The airport has a standard or special IAP
Approved separation is applied between aircraft so cleared and between these aircraft and other IFR or special VFR aircraft
ATC will issue alternative instructions if, in their judgment, weather conditions may make completion of the approach impracticable
ATC: "Cleared contact approach at or above [Altitude], [Routing]. If not possible [Alternative Procedures] and advise"
Conclusion:
Controllers will never solicit the use of a contact approach
To learn more about instrument procedures, be sure to check out the Instrument Procedures Handbook online or on paperback
