Describe the differences between an instrument approach procedure (IAP) and a visual approach.

Describe the differences between an instrument approach procedure (IAP) and a visual approach.

• A. Visual approaches rely on visual contact with the airport and ATC clearance for routing.
• B. IAPs are published instrument-based procedures with specific altitudes and steps; visual approaches rely on visual contact with the airport and ATC clearance for routing.
• C. IAPs require no ATC clearance.
• D. IAPs are visual procedures that do not use instrument navigation.

Answer: (B)

Navigating by instrument versus by sight is the key distinction. Instrument approach procedures are published, instrument-based paths to a runway that include initial, intermediate, and final segments with specific altitudes and step-down fixes. They provide vertical and lateral guidance, have published minimums (such as DA or MDA), and include a defined missed-approach procedure. You fly these under IFR with ATC clearance to commence and to continue, even in poor visibility, relying on instruments rather than what you can see. Visual approaches, by contrast, depend on seeing the airport environment (or the preceding aircraft) and are guided by ATC for routing. There are no published instrument steps to follow; you maneuver primarily by visual reference to the runway and surrounding lights and landmarks, descending and turning as you maintain visual contact, all within the ATC-cleared route. They’re typically used in good weather and still require ATC coordination for sequencing and separation.

Navigating by instrument versus by sight is the key distinction. Instrument approach procedures are published, instrument-based paths to a runway that include initial, intermediate, and final segments with specific altitudes and step-down fixes. They provide vertical and lateral guidance, have published minimums (such as DA or MDA), and include a defined missed-approach procedure. You fly these under IFR with ATC clearance to commence and to continue, even in poor visibility, relying on instruments rather than what you can see.

Visual approaches, by contrast, depend on seeing the airport environment (or the preceding aircraft) and are guided by ATC for routing. There are no published instrument steps to follow; you maneuver primarily by visual reference to the runway and surrounding lights and landmarks, descending and turning as you maintain visual contact, all within the ATC-cleared route. They’re typically used in good weather and still require ATC coordination for sequencing and separation.