Confusion
My apologies, but a slightly confused SLF here. (Not a journalist or blogger, but I would say that, wouldn't I)
Could one of you kind people tell me if my understanding here is correct.
The Lufthansa flight in question had a standard operating procedure (aka 'company rule') that they
a) were allowed to fly a visual approach into SFO at night, if weather conditions allowed.
b) were not allowed to conduct an approach into SFO at night where the pilot and first officer were required to maintain visual separation with other traffic,
the two terms seem to be being confused by some, or at least, not necessarily being used in the same context.
The same confusion between the two might have been a factor between whoever was operating the radio on the flight in question and the air traffic controller. At least, that is the impression I get from listening to the RT on the YouTube video. As I am not a professional pilot, I do not have the experience of interpreting the RT, so it might be perfectly clear to others.
If this is an inappropriate question, I apologise for posting it.