Contact Approach [DELETE]

Contact Approach [DELETE]

A contact approach is an approach wherein an aircraft on an IFR flight plan or flight itinerary having an ATC clearance, operating clear of clouds with at least 1 NM flight visibility and a reasonable expectation of continuing to the destination airport in those conditions, may deviate from the IAP and proceed to the destination airport by visual reference to the surface of the earth. In accordance with CAR 602.124, the aircraft shall be flown at an altitude of at least 1,000 ft above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal radius of 5 NM from the estimated position of the aircraft in flight until the required visual reference is acquired in order to conduct a normal landing. Pilots are cautioned that conducting a contact approach in minimum visibility conditions introduces hazards to flight not experienced when flying IFR procedures. Familiarity with the aerodrome environment, including local area obstacles, terrain, noise-sensitive areas, Class F airspace and aerodrome layout, is paramount for a successful contact approach in minimum visibility conditions. Pilots are responsible for the adherence to published noise abatement procedures and compliance with any restrictions that may apply to Class F airspace when conducting a contact approach.

This type of approach will only be authorized by ATC when:

  1. The pilot requests it; and
  2. There is an approved functioning instrument approach, a published GNSS or a GNSS overlay approach for the airport.

ATC will ensure IFR separation from other IFR flights and will issue specific missed approach instructions if there is any doubt that a landing will be accomplished. Pilots are cautioned that when any missed approach is initiated while conducting a contact approach, obstacle and terrain avoidance is the pilot’s responsibility even though specific missed approach instructions may have been issued by ATC. ATC only ensures appropriate IFR separation from other IFR aircraft during contact approaches.

NOTE: ATC will not issue an IFR approach clearance that includes clearance for a contact approach unless there is a published and functioning IAP or a restricted instrument approach procedure (RIAP) authorized by TC for the airport. Where a GNSS or GNSS overlay approach is the only available IAP or RIAP, this fulfils the requirement for a “functioning instrument approach.”

REFERENCES
AIM RAC 9.6.1 Contact Approach
CAR 602.124 - Minimum Altitudes to Ensure Obstacle Clearance
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