Contact Approach

(a) Pilot.

(1) Must request a contact approach and makes it in lieu of a standard or special instrument approach.

(2) 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.

(3) Assumes responsibility for obstruction clearance while conducting a contact approach.

(4) Advises ATC immediately if unable to continue the contact approach or if encounters less than 1 mile flight visibility.

(5) 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.

(b) Controller.

(1) Issues clearance for a contact approach only when requested by the pilot. Does not solicit the use of this procedure.

(2) Before issuing the clearance, ascertains that reported ground visibility at destination airport is at least 1 mile.

(3) 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.

(4) Issues alternative instructions if, in their judgment, weather conditions may make completion of the approach impracticable.