what_next wrote:
That’s a requirement for uncontrolled airfields with instrument procedures around here. They can only have one IFR movement at one time inside their airspace (which is called RMZ now). A VFR departure will not be held on the ground while I perform my training approach, nor will VFR traffic in the pattern be affected by that. Just other aircraft departing or arriving on instrument flight plans.
That is a procedure providing procedural IFR-IFR separation (basically Class E standard) in class G airspace… badly.
On my 172 a visual approach can mean a15 minutes gain.
Yet for a visual approach to be requested or cleared, you must be in sight of the airfield. At least in France
4.3.3. Clairance d’approche à vue
4.3.3.1 Un aéronef en vol IFR peut ne pas exécuter une procédure d’approche aux instruments publiée ou approuvée ou ne pas en poursuivre l’exécution pour effectuer une approche à vue par repérage visuel du sol si les conditions suivantes sont réunies :
a) le pilote voit l’aérodrome (The pilot can see the aerodrome);
b) le pilote peut garder le contact visuel avec le sol ;
c) le pilote juge que la visibilité et le plafond permettent une approche à vue et estime l’atterrissage possible ;
d) de nuit, le plafond n’est pas inférieur à l’altitude minimale de secteur ou, le cas échéant, de la trajectoire de ralliement empruntée;
e) en espace aérien contrôlé, le pilote a reçu une clairance d’approche à vue;
f) le pilote respecte les éventuelles consignes particulières propres à l’approche à vue sur l’aérodrome considéré et les restrictions d’évolution vers la piste émises par l’organisme de contrôle de la circulation aérienne.
Un pilote peut exécuter une approche à vue même en l’absence de procédure aux instruments.
Quand il exécute une approche à vue, l’aéronef continue à bénéficier des services de la circulationaérienne correspondant à la classe de l’espace dans lequel il évolue.
I don’t know whether it’s permitted or not elsewhere.
When I can’t see the aerodrome, if the weather permits and if the instrument procedure is significantly longer than a visual approach, I change to VFR.
The big difference of changing to VFR is that the instrument missed approach procedure becomes unavailable.
EDIT from ICAO Doc 4444
According to ICAO standard, visual contact with the aerodrome is not required, yet you must see the ground.
6.5.3 Visual approach
6.5.3.1 Subject to the conditions in 6.5.3.3, clearance for an IFR flight to execute a visual approach may be requested by
a flight crew or initiated by the controller. In the latter case, the
concurrence of the flight crew shall be required.
6.5.3.2 Controllers shall exercise caution in initiating a
visual approach when there is reason to believe that the flight
crew concerned is not familiar with the aerodrome and its
surrounding terrain. Controllers should also take into consideration
the prevailing traffic and meteorological conditions
when initiating visual approaches.
6.5.3.3 An IFR flight may be cleared to execute a visual
approach provided the pilot can maintain visual reference to
the terrain and:
a) the reported ceiling is at or above the approved initial
approach level for the aircraft so cleared; or
b) the pilot reports at the initial approach level or at any
time during the instrument approach procedure that the
meteorological conditions are such that with
reasonable assurance a visual approach and landing
can be completed.
6.5.3.4 Separation shall be provided between an aircraft
cleared to execute a visual approach and other arriving and
departing aircraft.
6.5.3.5 For successive visual approaches, radar or nonradar
separation shall be maintained until the pilot of a
succeeding aircraft reports having the preceding aircraft in
sight. The aircraft shall then be instructed to follow and
maintain own separation from the preceding aircraft. When
both aircraft are of a heavy wake turbulence category, or the
preceding aircraft is of a heavier wake turbulence category
than the following, and the distance between the aircraft is less
than the appropriate wake turbulence minimum, the controller
shall issue a caution of possible wake turbulence. The pilot-incommand
of the aircraft concerned shall be responsible for
ensuring that the spacing from a preceding aircraft of a heavier
wake turbulence category is acceptable. If it is determined that
additional spacing is required, the flight crew shall inform the
ATC unit accordingly, stating their requirements
