Is visual contact with traffic or the airport itself necessary before accepting a visual approach clearance?

Accepting a visual approach clearance requires that pilots establish visual contact with either traffic or the airport itself. This remains a vital aspect of aviation safety as it allows pilots to navigate visually and maintain situational awareness. When a visual approach is conducted, pilots are expected to maneuver based on visual references, which helps in maintaining separation from other aircraft and ensures a safe path to landing.

This requirement is rooted in the principles of visual flight rules (VFR), where visual reference is critical for ensuring that pilots can adequately assess their surroundings and make informed operational decisions while approaching the runway. By confirming visual contact, pilots can effectively manage their descent and approach in conjunction with air traffic and other factors, leading to a safer landing process. This requirement for visual contact before accepting the clearance underlines the intention behind visual approaches and their reliance on a pilot's ability to see and understand the airspace they are operating in.