What Is a Contact Approach?
A contact approach represents a specialized procedure for pilots operating under IFR flight plans, allowing them to bypass published instrument approaches and proceed visually to their destination while maintaining continuous reference to the ground or water below.
What sets it apart from a visual approach? The pilot doesn’t need the airport in sight when initiating the procedure, making it invaluable when terrain features are clearly visible, but the destination remains obscured.
Requirements for a Contact Approach
To execute a contact approach, the following conditions must be met:
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The pilot must request the approach from ATC.
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The airport must have a published instrument approach procedure.
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Reported ground visibility at the airport must be at least 1 statute mile.
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The pilot must maintain at least 1 statute mile of flight visibility and remain clear of clouds.
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The pilot must have a reasonable expectation that these conditions can be maintained until landing.
ATC’s Role in Contact Approaches
Air Traffic Control plays an important but limited role during contact approaches. While ATC continues providing certain services, the responsibility framework shifts dramatically from standard instrument procedures.
ATC maintains separation from other IFR aircraft and special VFR traffic.
ATC provides no terrain or obstacle clearance guidance. This responsibility transfers entirely to the pilot’s judgment and skill.
When pilots request a contact approach, ATC typically issues clearance using the phrase “cleared contact approach,” often accompanied by specific instructions for the approach sequence or landing pattern. Controllers may also provide additional traffic information to help pilots maintain situational awareness of other aircraft that might not be operating under IFR.
ATC can deny contact approach requests when operational factors create unsafe conditions. Heavy traffic or, or weather falling below required minimums, will prompt controllers to refuse authorization and provide alternative instructions.
Weather Minimums for Contact Approaches
Pilot Responsibilities During a Contact Approach
Executing a contact approach gives pilots much greater responsibility than standard instrument procedures. The pilot becomes the primary navigator, safety assessor, and decision-maker regarding obstacle clearance and approach viability.
The pilot’s key responsibilities include:
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Maintaining continuous visual reference to the surface.
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Ensuring terrain and obstacle clearance without ATC guidance.
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Continuously confirming that flight visibility remains at least one mile.
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Navigating to the airport and maintaining situational awareness.
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Immediately notifying ATC if weather conditions deteriorate below minimums.
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Being prepared to execute a missed approach procedure.
Good cockpit resource management is essential during contact approaches. Pilots must prioritize tasks, maintaining visual references as the primary focus while simultaneously managing aircraft systems and communications.
Contact Approach Use Cases
Contact approaches work well in these situations:
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Efficiency: Direct routing reduces flight time and fuel consumption compared to lengthy published approaches.
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Sub-Cloud Navigation: Maintaining operations beneath cloud layers when ground features are visible, but the airport remains hidden.
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Weather Avoidance: Using clear corridors when localized weather phenomena block standard approach paths.
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Equipment Failures: Providing alternatives when ground-based navigation aids become inoperative.
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Operational Flexibility: Expanding options at uncontrolled airports or facilities with limited published procedures.
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Instrument Training: Helping students practice the transition from instrument to visual flight.
Conclusion on Contact Approaches
Contact approaches balance between operational efficiency and pilot accountability. Safe execution requires good judgment and careful attention to changing conditions.