SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-visual-approach-weather

ATC will not clear a visual approach unless reported weather is what ceiling and visibility?

Ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and visibility 3 miles or more.

Start playing free

  1. Ceiling 2,000 feet and visibility 5 miles
  2. Ceiling 500 feet and visibility 1 mile
  3. Ceiling 1,000 feet or higher and visibility 3 miles or greater ✔

Why: The AIM says controllers may not clear an aircraft for a visual approach unless the reported weather is a ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and visibility of 3 miles or greater.

Huh, didn't know that: ATC issues the visual approach clearance when the pilot reports seeing the airport or a preceding aircraft to follow.

The dad joke
Keep looking around. There is always something you have missed.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Ceiling 1,000 feet or higher and visibility 3 miles or greater. The AIM says controllers may not clear an aircraft for a visual approach unless the reported weather is a ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and visibility of 3 miles or greater.

  1. AIM 5-5 Pilot/Controller Roles and Responsibilities www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap5_section_5.html
    reported weather at the airport is ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and visibility is 3 miles or greater.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. AIM 5-4 Instrument Approach Procedures www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap5_section_4.html
    This clearance does not constitute approval for the pilot to execute a contact approach or a visual approach to the airport or runway.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

FlyingYou can skip filing an alternate if forecasts show what ceiling and visibility from 1 hour before to 1 hour after arrival?FlyingA ceiling of 700 feet and visibility of 2 statute miles falls in which flight category?FlyingWhen is an ATC clearance required before entering Class B airspace?

That's stuff everyone should know.