AIM Text
- Pilot.
- Must request a contact approach and makes it in lieu of a standard or special instrument approach.
- 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.
- Assumes responsibility for obstruction clearance while conducting a contact approach.
- Advises ATC immediately if unable to continue the contact approach or if encounters less than 1 mile flight visibility.
- Is aware that if radar service is being received, it may be automatically terminated when told to contact the tower.
- Controller.
- Issues clearance for a contact approach only when requested by the pilot. Does not solicit the use of this procedure.
- Before issuing the clearance, ascertains that reported ground visibility at destination airport is at least 1 mile.
- 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.
- 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.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance describing the pilot and controller responsibilities for a contact approach. A pilot may request one in lieu of a standard or special instrument approach when operating clear of clouds with at least 1 mile flight visibility, assuming responsibility for obstruction clearance. It supports separation rules tied to 14 CFR 91.119.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What visibility do I need to fly a contact approach?
Per the AIM, by requesting a contact approach the pilot indicates the flight is operating clear of clouds with at least 1 mile flight visibility and reasonably expects to continue to the destination in those conditions. The controller must also confirm reported ground visibility at the destination airport is at least 1 mile before issuing the clearance.
Can a controller offer me a contact approach?
No. The AIM states the controller issues a contact approach clearance only when requested by the pilot and does not solicit the use of this procedure. The pilot must initiate the request, and the controller may issue alternative instructions if weather conditions may make completing the approach impracticable.
Who is responsible for obstruction clearance on a contact approach?
The pilot assumes responsibility for obstruction clearance while conducting a contact approach. When the controller uses vertical separation, it does not assign a fixed altitude but clears the aircraft at or below an altitude at least 1,000 feet below any IFR traffic, but never below the Minimum Safe Altitudes prescribed in 14 CFR 91.119.