Transitioning from IFR to the Visual Approach

[@PghGameFix]

The vid really didn't give any actual info for a transition, and what to expect. I've been looking for a true flying vid of the transition, and what do I need to say to the tower. also.... will ATC set me up on a long final like a normal approach? will they hand me to tower and expect me to enter the pattern like I was just a VFR flight? If that's the case.... why would the "Visual" be any different than me just canceling my IFR and contacting the tower? I've talked to so many people who are either fresh CFII's or fresh IR.... and they can't answer it either. (We don't train for the visual) I've had my IR for about a month now, and have only been asked if I wanted the visual once.... and since I didn't know what to expect, I just asked to stay with the ILS. The approach and tower at my local airport knows we are a training airport, and they won't get mad if I mess up.... but I would really like to see a start to finish approach to visual demonstration.

[@RWRPilotTraining]

Good question. The visual approach is still an instrument approach but done in VMC. The value is that you can get priority for the arrival and a modified base or straight in.. whatever is expeditious. This works best at a towered airport. Controllers and most pilots like visuals because it speeds things up for everybody. Go back and read what the FAA says about them. Visuals are easy and safe but you must have the airport in sight. Also consider the contact approach which requires 1 mile visibility and clear of clouds and reasonably certain to stay that way. Fly Safely - Train Often .. DR

[@PghGameFix]

@@RWRPilotTraining Reading on the contact approach seams sketchy to me. I'm going out today and shooting some approaches at a local airport.... maybe I'll file, and ask for the visual when I get back to KJST.

[@RWRPilotTraining]

Yes indeed! Fly Safely - Train Often .. DR