BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE ...

AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005 321
in those conditions, may request ATC authorization for a contact approach.
14.5.1. ATC may only issue clearance for a contact approach under the following
conditions:
14.5.1.1. The pilot specifically requests the approach. ATC cannot initiate this
approach.
14.5.1.2. The reported ground visibility at the destination airport is at least 1 SM.
14.5.1.3. The contact approach is made to an airport having a standard or special
instrument approach procedure.
14.5.1.3.1. NOTE: A contact approach is a procedure that may be used by a pilot
in lieu of conducting a standard or special approach IAP to an airport. It is not
intended for use by a pilot to operate into an airport without a published and
functioning IAP. Nor is it intended for an aircraft to conduct an approach to one
airport, and then in the clear, proceed to another airport.
14.5.2. When executing a contact approach, the pilot assumes responsibility for
obstruction clearance. If radar service is being received, it will automatically terminate
when the pilot is instructed to change to advisory frequency.
14.5.3. Being cleared for a visual or contact approach does not authorize the pilot to fly a
360° overhead traffic pattern. An aircraft conducting an overhead maneuver is VFR and
the instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan is canceled when the aircraft reaches the
“initial point.” Aircraft operating at an airport without a functioning control tower
must initiate cancellation of the IFR flight plan prior to executing the overhead
maneuver or after landing.
14.6. IAP with Visual Segment.
14.6.1. Published Visual Segment. In isolated cases, due to procedure design
peculiarities, an IAP procedure may contain a published visual segment. In general,
when the distance from the MAP to the end of the runway exceeds 3SM, the words "fly
visual " will appear in the profile view of the IAP. A long dashed line in the profile view
with an approximate heading and distance to the end of the runway will be depicted. The
depicted ground track associated with the visual segment should be flown as "DR"
course. When executing the visual segment, remain clear of clouds and proceed to the
airport maintaining visual contact with the ground.
14.6.2. MAP. Since missed approach obstacle clearance is assured only if the missed
approach is commenced at the published MAP or above the MDA, the pilot should have
preplanned climbout options based on aircraft performance and terrain features.
14.6.2.1. CAUTION: Be aware that obstacle clearance becomes the sole
responsibility of the aircrew when the approach is continued beyond the MAP.
14.7. Charted Visual Flight Procedures (CVFPs). A published visual approach where an
aircraft on an IFR flight plan, operating in VMC when authorized by air traffic control, may
proceed to the destination airport under VFR via the route depicted on the CVFP. When
informed CVFPs are in use, the pilot must advise the arrival controller on initial contact if
unable to accept the CVFP.