Definition of a Visual Approach
Can anyone please clarify what a Visual Approach actually means when approaching an airport IFR.
Are you obliged to make your way to the IAF, carry out an instrument reversal, or DME arc and then complete the approach visually or can you descend in IMC to position yourself in the visual circuit provided you have at least 800m visibility.
If it is the former what is the advantage to doing it? Is it just financial? If it means you don't get charged for the approach what is to stop you using the approach aid in any case but just declaring a visual approach.
And if i wanted to approach a busy airport IFR, breaking cloud at say 3000', then joining the visual circuit in VMC to land, thereby avoiding any part of an instrument approach, would a request for a visual approach be the correct terminology?