AIM DECODED

5-5-11. Visual Approach

By Chris Palmer, 2x Master Aviation Educator · Gold Seal CFI · Updated May 21, 2026

AIM 5-5-11 All of Chapter 5 →

AIM Text

  1. Pilot.
    1. If a visual approach is not desired, advises ATC.
    2. Complies with controller's instructions for vectors toward the airport of intended landing or to a visual position behind a preceding aircraft.
    3. The pilot must, at all times, have either the airport or the preceding aircraft in sight. After being cleared for a visual approach, proceed to the airport in a normal manner or follow the preceding aircraft. Remain clear of clouds while conducting a visual approach.
    4. If the pilot accepts a visual approach clearance to visually follow a preceding aircraft, you are required to establish a safe landing interval behind the aircraft you were instructed to follow. You are responsible for wake turbulence separation.
    5. Advise ATC immediately if the pilot is unable to continue following the preceding aircraft, cannot remain clear of clouds, needs to climb, or loses sight of the airport.
    6. In the event of a go-around, the pilot is responsible to maintain terrain and obstruction avoidance until reaching an ATC assigned altitude if issued.
    7. Be aware that radar service is automatically terminated, without being advised by ATC, when the pilot is instructed to change to advisory frequency.
    8. Be aware that there may be other traffic in the traffic pattern and the landing sequence may differ from the traffic sequence assigned by approach control or ARTCC.
  2. Controller.
    1. Do not clear an aircraft for a visual approach unless reported weather at the airport is ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and visibility is 3 miles or greater. When weather is not available for the destination airport, inform the pilot and do not initiate a visual approach to that airport unless there is reasonable assurance that descent and flight to the airport can be made visually.
    2. Issue visual approach clearance when the pilot reports sighting either the airport or a preceding aircraft which is to be followed.
    3. Provide separation except when visual separation is being applied by the pilot.
    4. Continue flight following and traffic information until the aircraft has landed or has been instructed to change to advisory frequency.
    5. For all aircraft, inform the pilot when the preceding aircraft is a heavy. Inform the pilot of a small aircraft when the preceding aircraft is a B757. Visual separation is prohibited behind super aircraft.
    6. When weather is available for the destination airport, do not initiate a vector for a visual approach unless the reported ceiling at the airport is 500 feet or more above the MVA and visibility is 3 miles or more. If vectoring weather minima are not available but weather at the airport is ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and visibility of 3 miles or greater, visual approaches may still be conducted.

Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 5-5-11.

Research Notes

AIM 5-5-11 covers Additional Reports — pilot-initiated reports for information that may affect safety.

Pilot-initiated reports: When conditions warrant, the pilot reports without ATC request:

  • Hazardous weather encountered (turbulence, ice, thunderstorms)
  • Aircraft system failures affecting flight
  • Operational changes affecting flight plan
  • Anything that may affect safety of flight

Reference: § 91.183; AIM 5-5-11; AIM 7-1-21 (PIREPs).

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