VOR/DME Approach & RWY in sight

[crosspoint]

Dear All,

I just want to ask to share what is the exact procedure when you clear a/c for VOR/DME approach.

Is there are requirement to have the pilot the RWY in sight in order to transfer it to TWR frequency?

Is there any document where I can find more about VOR/DME procedures from ATC perspective ... an ICAO, EUROCONTROL or whatever.

Thanks in advance.

[Spitoon]

There is nothing special about a VOR/DME approach - it's just an instrument approach.

The basic 'rules' about when an aircraft can be transferred to TWR are in Annex 11 (para 3.6.1.3.1) and say:

The responsibility for the control of an arriving aircraft shall be transferred from the unit providing approach control service to the aerodrome control tower, when the aircraft:
a) is in the vicinity of the aerodrome, and:

1) it is considered that approach and landing will be completed in visual reference to the ground, or
2) it has reached uninterrupted visual meteorological conditions, or

b) is at a prescribed point or level, as specified in letters of agreement or ATS unit instructions; or
c) has landed.

Which of these procedures are used and in what circumstances at any particular airport will be set out in unit procedures.

In simple terms, if the aircraft is making a pilot-interpreted instrument approach I think it would be normal, certainly in Europe, for the aircraft to be transferred to TWR when the aircraft is established on the final approach track.