When can a flight crew accept a visual approach?

• A. Maintain basic cloud clearance
• B. Weather must be VMC
• C. Establish and maintain visual contact with airport or traffic as directed by ATC
• D. The flight is operated in class B, C, or D or within 35 miles of destination in class E

Answer: (C)

A visual approach can be accepted when you have the airport in sight or the traffic you’re following in sight and you can maintain visual references as directed by ATC. That visual contact lets ATC clear you to proceed visually and manage your descent and traffic separation using visual references rather than instruments. ATC won’t clear a visual approach unless you can see the airport or the traffic, so establishing and maintaining that visual contact is the key condition. The other details—like general cloud clearance, weather in VMC, or aircraft type/class near the destination—aren’t the defining gate for accepting the visual approach.