Charted Visual Flight Procedure

AIM ¶ 5-4-24 — Charted Visual Flight Procedure

AIM 5-4-24 explains Charted Visual Flight Procedures (CVFPs): landmark-based visual approaches for turbojets at towered airports. Study guide for pilots.

In Plain English

A Charted Visual Flight Procedure (CVFP) is a published visual approach designed mainly for turbojet aircraft at airports with an operating control tower. CVFPs exist for noise abatement, environmental concerns, or to improve traffic efficiency. The chart shows prominent landmarks, courses, and recommended altitudes to a specific runway.

Key points to remember:

CVFPs are not instrument approaches — there is no missed approach segment. A missed approach is handled as a go-around.
Depicted altitudes are recommended only for noise abatement, unless they mark a Class B airspace floor.
Any NAVAID info shown is supplemental only.
If landmarks aren't visible at night, the chart will be marked "PROCEDURE NOT AUTHORIZED AT NIGHT."
CVFPs typically begin within 20 flying miles of the airport.
Weather minimums are based on minimum vectoring altitudes, not the recommended chart altitudes. ATC won't clear a CVFP below published minimums.
ATC issues a CVFP clearance only after the pilot reports the landmark or preceding aircraft in sight. If following traffic, you're responsible for safe spacing and wake turbulence separation.
Tell ATC immediately if you lose sight of traffic or can't continue.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-4-24

5-4-24. 5-4-24. Charted Visual Flight Procedure (CVFP) CVFPs are charted visual approaches established for environmental/noise considerations, and/or when necessary for the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations. The approach charts depict prominent landmarks, courses, and recommended altitudes to specific runways. CVFPs are designed to be used primarily for turbojet aircraft. These procedures will be used only at airports with an operating control tower. Most approach charts will depict some NAVAID information which is for supplemental navigational guidance only. Unless indicating a Class B airspace floor, all depicted altitudes are for noise abatement purposes and are recommended only. Pilots are not prohibited from flying other than recommended altitudes if operational requirements dictate. When landmarks used for navigation are not visible at night, the approach will be annotated “ PROCEDURE NOT AUTHORIZED AT NIGHT . ” CVFPs usually begin within 20 flying miles from the airport. Published weather minimums for CVFPs are based on minimum vectoring altitudes rather than the recommended altitudes depicted on charts. CVFPs are not instrument approaches and do not have missed approach segments. ATC will not issue clearances for CVFPs when the weather is less than the published minimum. ATC will clear aircraft for a CVFP after the pilot reports siting a charted landmark or a preceding aircraft. If instructed to follow a preceding aircraft, pilots are responsible for maintaining a safe approach interval and wake turbulence separation. Pilots should advise ATC if at any point they are unable to continue an approach or lose sight of a preceding aircraft. Missed approaches will be handled as a go-around. When conducting visual approaches, pilots are encouraged to use other available navigational aids to assist in positive lateral and vertical alignment with the assigned runway.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What is a Charted Visual Flight Procedure (CVFP) and what type of aircraft is it primarily designed for?

Per AIM 5-4-24, a CVFP is a charted visual approach established for environmental/noise considerations or for safety and efficiency of air traffic operations. It is designed primarily for turbojet aircraft and is only used at airports with an operating control tower.

Q2Are the altitudes depicted on a CVFP chart mandatory, and how are weather minimums determined?

Per AIM 5-4-24, depicted altitudes are recommended only for noise abatement (unless they indicate a Class B airspace floor), and pilots may deviate if operational requirements dictate. Published weather minimums are based on minimum vectoring altitudes, not the charted recommended altitudes.

Q3How does ATC clear a pilot for a CVFP, and how are missed approaches handled?

Per AIM 5-4-24, ATC will clear an aircraft for a CVFP only after the pilot reports sighting a charted landmark or a preceding aircraft, and only when weather is at or above published minimums. CVFPs have no missed approach segment — any missed approach is handled as a go-around.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5

¶ 5-4-1

STAR Procedures and Descend Via

¶ 5-4-10

Timed Approaches from Holding Fix

¶ 5-4-11

Radar Approaches

¶ 5-4-12

Radar Monitoring Instrument Approaches

¶ 5-4-13

Simultaneous Parallel Approaches

¶ 5-4-14