Visual approach

[Pack2]

I have recently been involved in a discussion about what the exact criteria is to legally request a visual approach to an airfield that is within an ATZ and has an operating ATC unit.

Here is the thing. You are operating a transport category flight into an ATZ under an IFR flight plan. Company sop's prohibit VFR so the aircraft must remain under IFR rules at all times.

You approach the airfield in class G airspace and at say 15nm still above the MSA, decide that you could continue visually but you cant actually see the runway yet...

1. What criteria needs to be met to continue visually.
2. When can you legally descend below the MSA.

Thanks

[Chilli Monster]

1. From MATS Pt 1 To expedite traffic at any time, IFR flights may be authorised to execute visual
approaches if the pilot reports that he can maintain visual reference to the surface and
a) the reported cloud ceiling is not below the initial approach level; or
b) the pilot reports at any time after commencing the approach procedure that the
visibility will permit a visual approach and landing, and a reasonable assurance
exists that this can be accomplished.

2. Rule 29 (d) is the relevant bit of legislation: Without prejudice to the provisions of rule 5, in order to comply with the Instrument
Flight Rules an aircraft shall not fly at a height of less than 1000 feet above the highest
obstacle within a distance of 5 nautical miles of the aircraft unless:
(d) the aircraft is flying at an altitude not exceeding 3000 feet above mean sea level
and remains clear of cloud and in sight of the surface.

[fat'n'grey]

An IFR acft executing a visual approach is still IFR. Therefore ATC will still provide separation appropriate to the IFR acft on VA and other IFR (or VFR acft) appropriate to the class of airspace unless the responsibility for separation is given to the acft on VA; e.g. number 2 follow..... .

Interestingly enough, ICAO says that as per the previous post an IFR acft may request a VA subject to blah blah (not having the RWY in sight).

However, if the IFR acft has been radar vectored, it must have the RWY in sight before a VA may be approved.

The same criteria with regard to ATC separation appropriate to the class of airspace applies as per my first para.

Oh dear.....