Contact Approach: What It Is, Requirements & How To Fly It
The term "Contact Approach" might sound pretty straightforward—simply contact approach control on the designated frequency.
Unfortunately, that'd be the wrong assumption, this phrase refers to a specific type of approach request that IFR pilots must become familiar with in case they need it during landing at their destination airport.
In this article, we will get into all the details and clear up any confusion surrounding contact approaches.
For student pilots (and even newly certified pilots), the term contact approach can sound pretty straightforward—like you’re simply contacting Approach Control on the correct frequency.
Unfortunately, that’s not what it means. A contact approach is a specific type of IFR approach request that pilots should understand in case it’s ever needed when arriving at their destination.
In this guide, we’ll break down what a contact approach is, when it may be used, and why it can be risky.
What is a Contact Approach?
When flying under an IFR clearance, there are three common ways to get to the airport:
- Fly a published instrument approach procedure (IAP)
- Accept a visual approach clearance
- Request a contact approach
A contact approach is pilot-requested (ATC can’t initiate it). It’s flown in VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions), but unlike an instrument approach, it relies heavily on outside visual references and does not require you to follow a published procedure.
Compared to a visual approach, a contact approach can be requested with lower visibility—but that flexibility comes with more pilot responsibility.
Obstruction Clearance
On a visual approach, you typically have the airport (or traffic) in sight and can navigate visually while still using available instrument guidance.
On a contact approach, you may not have the airport in sight. You must remain clear of clouds, maintain at least 1 mile of flight visibility, and be confident you can continue to the airport safely while managing terrain and obstacle clearance.
Important: There is no published missed approach procedure for a contact approach. If you can’t continue safely, you must advise ATC immediately and request an alternate clearance (vectors, another approach, or a divert).
Also, a contact approach can’t be used at airports that do not have a published instrument approach procedure.
Visual Approach vs. Contact Approach
A contact approach can feel similar to a visual approach, but the key difference is that for a visual approach you generally have:
- The airport in sight, or
- The preceding aircraft in sight (and you can maintain visual separation)
With a contact approach, you may not have the airport or traffic in sight, and visibility requirements are less strict—meaning you can be operating closer to marginal conditions.
ATC may clear an aircraft for a visual approach when weather meets typical minimums (commonly cited as 1,000-foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility), and visual approaches can reduce workload for both pilots and controllers.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Even on a visual approach clearance, you are still on an IFR flight plan.
- It’s smart to keep the appropriate approach plate available and use navigation guidance (ILS, RNAV, VOR) to back up the visual picture.
Flight Insight has an excellent video explaining both visual and contact approaches:
Contact Approach Requirements
- The pilot must request it.
- Remain clear of clouds.
- At least 1 mile flight visibility and reported ground visibility of at least 1 mile.
- A published instrument approach procedure must exist at the destination.
- ATC must be able to provide appropriate separation from other aircraft.
- The pilot is responsible for terrain and obstruction clearance.
If you become unable to continue safely, advise ATC immediately.
For the official guidance, see AIM 5-5-3 and the FAA’s ATC procedures section on contact approaches.
Should You Do a Contact Approach?
A contact approach is best reserved for pilots who are familiar with the airport and surrounding terrain. Even then, it should be treated as a “last resort” option—particularly if weather is trending worse.
If you’re not confident you can maintain safe clearance to the airport, the safer choice is to request vectors for a published approach or divert to an alternate with better conditions.
Dangers of a Contact Approach
Contact approaches can save time and fuel, but the tradeoff is higher risk in reduced visibility—especially if you’re tempted to “press” into conditions that resemble scud running.
If visibility drops below 1 mile, or you lose the ability to remain clear of clouds, stop the contact approach and let ATC know right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can ATC assign a contact approach?
No. A contact approach must be requested by the pilot. ATC may approve or deny the request depending on traffic and conditions.
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Do you need the airport in sight for a contact approach?
No. Unlike a visual approach, a contact approach does not require the airport (or traffic) to be in sight when it’s requested.
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What visibility is required for a contact approach?
You must remain clear of clouds with at least 1 mile flight visibility and the destination must have reported ground visibility of at least 1 mile.
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Is there a missed approach on a contact approach?
No. There is no published missed approach procedure for a contact approach. If you can’t continue safely, advise ATC immediately and request another clearance.
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When does a contact approach make sense?
It may be useful when you’re in marginal VMC, familiar with the area, and need a practical way to proceed to the airport—but it should never replace a safer published approach when conditions allow.
Takeaway
Most pilots will never need to request a contact approach—and that’s a good thing. Even very experienced pilots may go their entire careers without flying one.
If a contact approach ever becomes an option, it should be driven by safety and necessity (for example, preventing a fuel situation), not convenience. You need strong familiarity with the airport environment, and you must be prepared to stop the attempt and request a safer clearance if conditions deteriorate.
When in doubt, choose the option that prioritizes safety: fly a published approach, accept a visual approach when qualified, or divert to an alternate.
Fly safe and fly smart!
Interested in learning more about IFR?
These guides are designed to help you breeze through IFR concepts with clear explanations and helpful infographics.
- IFR Clearance: How To Request & File (Examples / Requirements)
- 10 Tips to Help Breeze Through IFR Training
- Pop-up IFR Clearance: 7 Tips On How To Properly Request One
- Lost Comms on IFR Flight (What to do & Procedures to Follow)
- VFR vs IFR Explained: Differences Between The Flight Rules
- Cloud Ceilings: What Pilots Should Know (Complete Guide)
- Pre-Departure Clearance Guide: What it is & How it Works
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