6/17/21 Pilot/Controller Glossary

a. Flight Visibility− The visibility forward from the MDA to the runway touchdown point may be the cockpit of an aircraft in flight. commenced, provided the approach threshold of that b. Ground Visibility− The visibility at an runway, or approach lights, or other markings aerodrome as reported by an accredited observer. identifiable with the approach end of that runway are clearly visible to the pilot. c. Runway Visual Range [RVR]− The range over which the pilot of an aircraft on the centerline of a VISUAL FLIGHT RULES− Rules that govern the runway can see the runway surface markings or the procedures for conducting flight under visual lights delineating the runway or identifying its conditions. The term “VFR” is also used in the centerline. United States to indicate weather conditions that are equal to or greater than minimum VFR requirements. VISUAL APPROACH− An approach conducted on In addition, it is used by pilots and controllers to an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan which indicate type of flight plan. authorizes the pilot to proceed visually and clear of (See INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES.) clouds to the airport. The pilot must, at all times, have (See INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL either the airport or the preceding aircraft in sight. CONDITIONS.) This approach must be authorized and under the (See VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL control of the appropriate air traffic control facility. CONDITIONS.) Reported weather at the airport must be: ceiling at or (Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.) above 1,000 feet, and visibility of 3 miles or greater. (Refer to AIM.) (See ICAO term VISUAL APPROACH.) VISUAL HOLDING− The holding of aircraft at VISUAL APPROACH [ICAO]− An approach by an selected, prominent geographical fixes which can be IFR flight when either part or all of an instrument easily recognized from the air. approach procedure is not completed and the (See HOLDING FIX.) approach is executed in visual reference to terrain. VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS− VISUAL APPROACH SLOPE INDICATOR Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of (VASI)− visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling equal to or (See AIRPORT LIGHTING.) better than specified minima. (See INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES.) VISUAL CLIMB OVER AIRPORT (VCOA)− A (See INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL departure option for an IFR aircraft, operating in CONDITIONS.) visual meteorological conditions equal to or greater (See VISUAL FLIGHT RULES.) than the specified visibility and ceiling, to visually VISUAL OBSERVER (VO) A person who is conduct climbing turns over the airport to the − designated by the remote pilot in command to assist published “climb−to” altitude from which to proceed the remote pilot in command and the person with the instrument portion of the departure. VCOA operating the flight controls of the small UAS procedures are developed to avoid obstacles greater (sUAS) to see and avoid other air traffic or objects than 3 statute miles from the departure end of the aloft or on the ground. runway as an alternative to complying with climb gradients greater than 200 feet per nautical mile. VISUAL SEGMENT− Pilots are responsible to advise ATC as early as (See PUBLISHED INSTRUMENT APPROACH possible of the intent to fly the VCOA option prior to PROCEDURE VISUAL SEGMENT.) departure. These textual procedures are published in VISUAL SEPARATION− A means employed by the ‘Take−Off Minimums and (Obstacle) Departure ATC to separate aircraft in terminal areas and en route Procedures’ section of the Terminal Procedures airspace in the NAS. There are two ways to effect this Publications and/or appear as an option on a Graphic separation: ODP. a. The tower controller sees the aircraft involved (See AIM.) and issues instructions, as necessary, to ensure that VISUAL DESCENT POINT− A defined point on the the aircraft avoid each other. final approach course of a nonprecision straight-in b. A pilot sees the other aircraft involved and upon approach procedure from which normal descent from instructions from the controller provides his/her own

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