Requesting Visual Approach

[Tomcat61]

Hi all, when I am flying using Flight Planner, when I get close to my destination, an option comes up asking if I would like to "Request Visual Approach".

Ok if I do request this, am I then on my own, or will Air Traffic Control keep giving me vectors to line up with my runway?

Thanks again....Tomcat61

[zcottovision]

As far as I know, they'll guide you towards the runway and then ask if you have the runway in sight, at which point you can ILS. I think. Might be horribly wrong!

[fisharno]

I mostly fly IFR, but I think that you wait until after ATC vectors you to the runway then, after you're close to, or in the cone, you'd ask for the visual approach.

I might be wrong, too, but I think that would work. I do know that if you cancel the IFR flight, you're totally on your own.

[JerryKGSP]

I accidently ask for it the other day with approach hold still on and the only difference I noticed was that ATC ask if you have the runway in sight and from there you can cancel APH and AP or do whatever you want to land.  8)

[codered]

ATC will vector you to the runway.  If you have it in sight then call up ATC and let them know, they will then release you for the approach.  If you do not and don't get back to them, they will vector you around until you get back on the runway appoach course.  You do not have the option to change your mind and go back to an ILS approach.  Visual approach works the same as if you were on flight plan to an airport with no ILS approach system....