renurpp, the only reason we do it this way is because like you said, their hands are tied until we are within 30nm, so theres no need for us to call UNTIL we are there. Don't really think ATC need the forewarning. My idea of reporting visual (at 30nm if i am visual) is like telling them I satisfy all the vis app requirements right NOW. It has happened to me before, reporting visual at 70nm, and being asked at 25nm "are you visual?".