Cleared Visual Approach
When given 'cleared visual approach', this authorises the pilot to fly the route authorised until 5NM (generally continuing to the azimuth aid such as NDB, VOR etc) while descending in VMC and to then at 5NM adjust track as required to set up for the approach for landing. In some cases, the Controller may say 'cleared visual approach, track as required for (left base, final etc)'. This allows flexibility when the 5NM restriction may make it very tight in later manouevres (such as left base runway 29 at Darwin Australia). Hope this helps.