Originally Posted by
Del Prado
RMK should be used for Nav, comm, datalink and others as you suggest but if the charts say there’s an ILS approach available then to decline visual separation is not special handling or a specific failure.
In SFO, it is special handling. They’re not asking a pilot on a VFR flight plan to shoot an ILS. They’re asking an IFR crew to look outside and fly. If they can’t (or aren’t allowed to) do that in VMC, expect lengthy delays.
The whole operation isn’t going to stop because they want/need an ILS. Following an aircraft to the runway is something every student pilot learns how to do.
If you’re flying into a major US airfield, plan for the instrument AND the visual approach. That way you won’t get caught napping.