Visual approach then GA

[sevenstrokeroll]

centaurus , I agree with you. a clearance to land does protect the missed approach airspace (mind you ATC may have to scramble a bit if you do go around)

folks let's review:


IF you get a Visual Approach clearance, you can:

see the airport (or published visual approach procedure navigation checkpoints/landmarks)

or see traffic ahead which is going to the airport you are going to

and can reasonably be expected to maintain visual conditions to the airport/runway. key word: reasonably. (if there is a sudden transdimensional warp which obscures the runway...wellllll)


so...you will stay visual and if you need to abandon the approach / go around

don't sweat it. use your best judgement.

are you suddenly in cloud? well do the most appropriate instrument missed you can UNTIL ADVISED TO DO OTHERWISE...do you really think ATC wants you to run into a mountain? Advise ATC of the situation and when issued "climb and maintain X, fly heading Y, you are magically IFR protected and cleared again

Indeed, in the USA there is an approach called a "CONTACT" approach which while not identical to a visual is close enough to provide guidance to use a published MISSED approach if CONTACT with the runway is lost.

Are you CLEAR and a MILLION? Well, climb to pattern altitude ( I would set 1500 feet above field elevation unless something else is published....for 1500 feet is standard TURBINE powered pattern (you british guys call them CIRCUITS) altitude) And prepare to enter the pattern for a visual return.

by the way LEFT hand pattern is standard here in the USA unless otherwise published.

And yes, after you have started a go around and radioed your intention to ATC, you may rightly expect ammended instructions...and if you don't, STATE YOUR INTENTION to fly published missed for (insert name of approach here).

Be in command of the situation at all times...think ahead...is the wx marginal for a visual? Well, on contact with atc advise : in event of go around we plan to fly published missed for (x) and return for ILS unless you have other clearance for us.

For those who don't know what a contact approach is....well most airlines don't do them anymore...but you need ONE miles (sm) visibility and can navigate to the airport via visual contact with terrain, a standard instrument approach must be available and you must stay clear of cloud... you don't actually need to see the airport at the start of the approach.