Fearless Tower
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2006
- Posts
- 275
How does one determine if an airport of intended destination has the required ceiling for a visual approach? All I have been able to find so far on the subject is on an FAA ATC webpage that states:
"A vector for a visual approach may be initiated if the reported ceiling at the airport of intended landing is at least 500 feet above the MVA/MIA and the visibility is 3 miles or greater."
Since the MVA is in most cases unknown to the pilot, how can a pilot determine if a visual approach is an option?
I ask, because I am currently spending the next few weeks flying around Texas into uncontrolled fields most of which have only GPS approaches and the aircraft does not have an IFR GPS. I am well aware of the standard flight planning/alternate requirements associated with airports without IAPs, but what I am really trying to understand is how to determine prior to departure, if I am going to be able to get a visual at my intended destination or if I am going to have to plan right off the bat to head for my alternate.
Hope that makes sense.
"A vector for a visual approach may be initiated if the reported ceiling at the airport of intended landing is at least 500 feet above the MVA/MIA and the visibility is 3 miles or greater."
Since the MVA is in most cases unknown to the pilot, how can a pilot determine if a visual approach is an option?
I ask, because I am currently spending the next few weeks flying around Texas into uncontrolled fields most of which have only GPS approaches and the aircraft does not have an IFR GPS. I am well aware of the standard flight planning/alternate requirements associated with airports without IAPs, but what I am really trying to understand is how to determine prior to departure, if I am going to be able to get a visual at my intended destination or if I am going to have to plan right off the bat to head for my alternate.
Hope that makes sense.