Contact Approach

AIM ¶ 5-5-3 — Contact Approach

Master the AIM 5-5-3 contact approach: pilot requests, 1-mile visibility, clear of clouds, and ATC separation rules for IFR checkride prep.

In Plain English

A contact approach is an IFR procedure a pilot can use in lieu of a standard or special instrument approach when weather is below VFR but the pilot can navigate visually to the destination. Per AIM 5-5-3, this approach is pilot-initiated — ATC will never offer it; you must request it.

To request and fly a contact approach, you must:

Be operating clear of clouds
Have at least 1 statute mile flight visibility
Reasonably expect to continue to the destination in those conditions
Accept responsibility for obstruction clearance
Notify ATC immediately if you cannot continue or visibility drops below 1 mile

The controller will only issue the clearance if reported ground visibility at the destination is at least 1 mile, and will provide IFR separation — typically vertical separation at least 1,000 feet below other IFR traffic, but never below the minimum safe altitudes of 14 CFR 91.119. ATC may issue alternative instructions if weather makes the approach impracticable. Also, radar service may automatically terminate when told to contact the tower.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-5-3

5-5-3. 5-5-3. Contact Approach 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. REFERENCE- Pilot/Controller Glossary Term- Radar Service Terminated. 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.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What conditions must a pilot meet to request a contact approach?

Per AIM 5-5-3, the pilot must be clear of clouds, have at least 1 mile flight visibility, and reasonably expect to continue to the destination airport in those conditions. The pilot also assumes responsibility for obstruction clearance.

Q2Can ATC offer a contact approach to a pilot?

No. Per AIM 5-5-3, the controller issues a clearance for a contact approach only when requested by the pilot and does not solicit its use.

Q3What ground visibility is required at the destination, and how does ATC separate a contact approach aircraft from other IFR traffic?

Per AIM 5-5-3, reported ground visibility at the destination must be at least 1 mile. ATC provides approved separation; when using vertical separation, the aircraft is cleared at or below an altitude at least 1,000 feet below any IFR traffic, but not below the minimum safe altitudes of 14 CFR 91.119.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5

¶ 5-5-1

Pilot/Controller Responsibilities