7-4-6. CONTACT APPROACH

7-4-6. CONTACT APPROACH

Clear an aircraft for a contact approach only if the following conditions are met:

1. The pilot has requested it.

   NOTE: When executing a contact approach, the pilot is responsible for maintaining the required flight visibility, cloud clearance, and terrain/obstruction clearance. Unless otherwise restricted, the pilot may find it necessary to descend, climb, and/or fly a circuitous route to the airport to maintain cloud clearance and/or terrain/ obstruction clearance. It is not in any way intended that controllers will initiate or suggest a contact approach to a pilot.

2. The reported ground visibility is at least 1 statute mile.
3. A standard or special instrument approach procedure has been published and is functioning for the airport of intended landing.
4. Approved separation is applied between aircraft so cleared and other IFR or SVFR aircraft. When applying vertical separation, do not assign a fixed altitude but clear the aircraft at or below an altitude which is at least 1,000 feet below any IFR traffic but not below the minimum safe altitude prescribed in 14 CFR Section 91.119.
   • NOTE:
   • 14 CFR Section 91.119 specifies the minimum safe altitude to be flown:
   • (a) Anywhere.
   • (b) Over congested areas.
   • (c) Other than congested areas. To provide for an emergency landing in the event of power failure and without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.
   • (d) Helicopters. May be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in (b) and (c) above if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface.
5. An alternative clearance is issued when weather conditions are such that a contact approach may be impracticable.
   • PHRASEOLOGY
   • CLEARED CONTACT APPROACH,
   • And if required,
   • AT OR BELOW (altitude) (routing).
   • IF NOT POSSIBLE, (alternative procedures), AND ADVISE.