No visual approaches can be accepted out of ______ NM.

No visual approaches can be accepted out of ______ NM.

• A. 25 NM
• B. 35 NM
• C. 50 NM
• D. 100 NM

Answer: (B)

Visual approaches have a practical distance limit from the airport because ATC must be able to provide radar surveillance and clear, positive guidance to sequence and separate traffic. If the airplane is too far away, the controller cannot reliably ensure obstacle clearance and traffic separation, so a visual approach cannot be accepted. In this case, the limit is 35 nautical miles. That means no visual approach clearance is issued if you are beyond 35 NM from the airport. If you’re within 35 NM and weather conditions allow and the airport or traffic is in sight, a visual approach can be authorized to simplify and expedite the landing. The other distances don’t fit the rule: 25 NM is within the limit, so a visual approach could still be possible; 50 NM and 100 NM are beyond the limit and would not be eligible for a visual approach.

Visual approaches have a practical distance limit from the airport because ATC must be able to provide radar surveillance and clear, positive guidance to sequence and separate traffic. If the airplane is too far away, the controller cannot reliably ensure obstacle clearance and traffic separation, so a visual approach cannot be accepted.

In this case, the limit is 35 nautical miles. That means no visual approach clearance is issued if you are beyond 35 NM from the airport. If you’re within 35 NM and weather conditions allow and the airport or traffic is in sight, a visual approach can be authorized to simplify and expedite the landing.

The other distances don’t fit the rule: 25 NM is within the limit, so a visual approach could still be possible; 50 NM and 100 NM are beyond the limit and would not be eligible for a visual approach.