Contact Approach

AIM ¶ 5-4-25 — Contact Approach

AIM 5-4-25 explains the contact approach: pilot-requested IFR procedure requiring 1 SM visibility, clear of clouds, and pilot-assumed obstruction clearance.

In Plain English

A contact approach is an IFR approach option you can request when the weather is marginal but flyable VFR-style to your destination. Per AIM 5-4-25, you must be clear of clouds, have at least 1 statute mile flight visibility, and reasonably expect those conditions to continue to the destination.

Key points to remember:

Pilot-requested only — ATC cannot offer or initiate a contact approach.
The destination must have a standard or special IAP published.
Reported ground visibility at the destination must be at least 1 SM.
ATC provides separation from other IFR and SVFR traffic.
The pilot is responsible for obstruction clearance — there are no published minimums or obstacle-clearance routes.
Radar service automatically terminates when you're told to switch to advisory frequency.

A contact approach is not a way to sneak into an airport without an IAP, and it's not a tool for breaking off one approach to dash to a nearby field. Operationally, it's useful when you can see well enough to navigate visually to the airport but the weather is below VFR — saving time over flying the full IAP.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-4-25

5-4-25. 5-4-25. Contact Approach Pilots operating in accordance with an IFR flight plan, provided they are clear of clouds and have at least 1 mile flight visibility and can reasonably expect to continue to the destination airport in those conditions, may request ATC authorization for a contact approach. Controllers may authorize a contact approach provided: The contact approach is specifically requested by the pilot. ATC cannot initiate this approach. EXAMPLE- Request contact approach. The reported ground visibility at the destination airport is at least 1 statute mile. The contact approach will be made to an airport having a standard or special instrument approach procedure. Approved separation is applied between aircraft so cleared and between these aircraft and other IFR or special VFR aircraft. EXAMPLE- Cleared contact approach (and, if required) at or below (altitude) (routing) if not possible (alternative procedures) and advise. A contact approach is an approach procedure that may be used by a pilot (with prior authorization from ATC) in lieu of conducting a standard or special IAP to an airport. It is not intended for use by a pilot on an IFR flight clearance to operate to an airport not having a published and functioning IAP. Nor is it intended for an aircraft to conduct an instrument approach to one airport and then, when “in the clear,” discontinue that approach and proceed to another airport. In the execution of a contact approach, the pilot assumes the responsibility for obstruction clearance. If radar service is being received, it will automatically terminate when the pilot is instructed to change to advisory frequency.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What weather minimums are required for a contact approach?

Per AIM 5-4-25, the pilot must be clear of clouds with at least 1 statute mile flight visibility and reasonably expect to continue to the destination in those conditions. The reported ground visibility at the destination must also be at least 1 SM.

Q2Who initiates a contact approach, and who is responsible for obstruction clearance?

Per AIM 5-4-25, a contact approach must be specifically requested by the pilot — ATC cannot initiate it. Once cleared, the pilot assumes responsibility for obstruction clearance.

Q3Can you fly a contact approach to an airport without a published instrument approach procedure?

No. Per AIM 5-4-25, a contact approach may only be made to an airport that has a standard or special instrument approach procedure. It is not intended for airports without a published and functioning IAP.

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