AIM DECODED

5-5-3. Contact Approach

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

AIM 5-5-3 All of Chapter 5 →

AIM Text

  1. Pilot.
    1. Must request a contact approach and makes it in lieu of a standard or special instrument approach.
    2. By requesting the contact approach, indicates that the flight is operating clear of clouds, has at least one mile flight visibility, and reasonably expects to continue to the destination airport in those conditions.
    3. Assumes responsibility for obstruction clearance while conducting a contact approach.
    4. Advises ATC immediately if unable to continue the contact approach or if encounters less than 1 mile flight visibility.
    5. Is aware that if radar service is being received, it may be automatically terminated when told to contact the tower.
  2. Controller.
    1. Issues clearance for a contact approach only when requested by the pilot. Does not solicit the use of this procedure.
    2. Before issuing the clearance, ascertains that reported ground visibility at destination airport is at least 1 mile.
    3. Provides approved separation between the aircraft cleared for a contact approach and other IFR or special VFR aircraft. When using vertical separation, does not assign a fixed altitude, but clears the aircraft at or below an altitude which is at least 1,000 feet below any IFR traffic but not below Minimum Safe Altitudes prescribed in 14 CFR section 91.119.
    4. Issues alternative instructions if, in their judgment, weather conditions may make completion of the approach impracticable.

Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 5-5-3.

Research Notes

AIM 5-5-3 covers Contact Approach — a unique IFR clearance type allowing the pilot to maintain visual reference to the surface during arrival.

What contact approach allows: An IFR aircraft, operating in VMC and at least 1 SM visibility, may request a contact approach to fly visually to the destination airport. The pilot navigates by ground reference instead of flying a published instrument procedure.

Differences from visual approach:

  • Visual approach: ATC clears (after determining VMC). The destination airport (or preceding traffic) must be in sight.
  • Contact approach: Pilot requests. The destination doesn't need to be in sight initially — pilot navigates by surface reference and weather. ATC may approve.

Restrictions:

  • Cannot be conducted in Class A airspace
  • Pilot must maintain at least 1 SM visibility and remain clear of clouds throughout
  • If conditions deteriorate, the pilot must comply with the original IFR clearance or another instruction from ATC

Operational scope: Rarely used. Most pilots use visual approach (when VMC) or fly the full instrument approach.

Reference: AIM 5-5-3.

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