Scenario (actual event)
B767, Dubai, night, Cavok, 38C.
Vectored by approach for downwind leg, alt 3000. abeam DXB at 3-4dme. Number 1 aircraft being vectored onto ILS at 13 miles. Captain visual with airfield through F/o DV window, calls for F/o to call visual with airfield and request self position to finals as number one with aircraft on ILS visual as well. ATC reply affirmative, visual approach to finals, now number one call tower 1xx.xx . Starting the turn, boards out, flaps out, gear down, boards in, stable speed in the turn, visual lost by capt in the intial turn but kept in sight by f/o, flaps running out to full as we turn finals at 1.5 miles. Stable approach, slightly high, 10knts above approach speed. Perfectly executed landing and roll out.
As this was reasonably quiet for this airport, would you as ATCO's approve such a visual approach again, or would you insist on continuing vectoring for an ILS approach. My point here was that the change of approach was quick, a little surprising, and quite enjoyable to watch the captain think very quickly and handle the aircraft in quite an unusual manner. Good airmanship or showboating.