Contact Approach

Contact Approach is an approach in which an IFR flight may deviate from the published instrument approach procedure and proceed to the airport by visual reference to the surface, provided the pilot requests it and flight visibility is at least 1 statute mile. ATC cannot initiate a contact approach — only the pilot can request it.

• Must be requested by the pilot — ATC cannot assign it
• Requires at least 1 SM flight visibility and ability to remain clear of clouds
• Used when conditions are below normal visual approach criteria but the pilot can see the surface
• The pilot is responsible for obstacle clearance