YMMB Class D approaches

[downunderscouser]

Hi,

I am wondering if anyone can answer a question:

When approaching Essendon (Class D) for landing you are cleared visual approach, yet at Moorabbin after the switch to Class D they do not appear to use that terminology.

I would have thought that a "cleared independant visual approach" clearance would be appropriate at Moorabbin given parallel runway operation. Or is that only if a straight in approach were to be made?

Thanks

DUS

[UnderneathTheRadar]

Essendon is Class C.

[zappalin]

Beat me to it!

Would you really want to be cleared 'independent visual approach' at Moorabbin, considering the traffic that's everywhere at once, but not so easy to see?

I'll take the instructions and the help from the controllers any day.

"Join late downwind for 35R, behind the Cherokee turning base."

[VH-XXX]

So few aircraft regularly land at Essendon in comparison to Moorabbin that almost each aircraft can be individually given a visual approach clearance without causing conflict.

If things get busy at Essendon with several aircraft due at similar times then the terminology and instructions will change.

[Back Pressure]

If inbound and overflying (eg. from GMH for 17R/35L) you will be "cleared visual approach" when you report overhead. Have also heard it used during RNAV approaches.

[VH-XXX]

If inbound and overflying (eg. from GMH for 17R/35L) you will be "cleared visual approach" when you report overhead.

As a matter of interest, I've never been offered that in all of my flying. Maybe you would get that if there was nobody in the circuit.

[mcgrath50]

XXX, I have only ever gotten it on request. I will request it when the right combination of high traffic in the eastern circuit and me not wanting to bother with a long, comparatively complex taxi, lines up

[eocvictim]

When IFR, unless conducting an instrument approach, you should always be cleared for a visual approach. Whether more instructions are added will be dictated by traffic, active runway and circuit direction.

[Awol57]

If you have been maintained or instructed to overfly at then you should be cleared a Visual Approach regardless of IFR/VFR as there is no other way to release you from that altitude (unless you are cleared not above 1500' or something). The JOIN instruction which used to allow descent to the circuit dissapeared from AIP along with the GAAP section.

If you are using an abbreviated clearance then you are free to descend as required

[mattfuel]

As far as the YMMB class D procedures go, VFR aircraft are to enter the zone at 1000ft unless otherwise requested or instructed. At 1000ft there is no requirement for the controller to give a 'visual approach' however if you enter the zone at any other altitude, you will be given a 'visual approach'.

At YMEN, it is a class C, and the requirement is for all aircraft to be issued a visual approach.