Definition
The portion of a helicopter instrument approach procedure that begins after the missed approach point (MAP) and is flown under visual flight rules (VFR) to a VFR heliport that has no published instrument approach. The pilot must have the required visual references and weather conditions to continue VFR before commencing this segment; if conditions are not met at the MAP, the missed approach must be flown.
Plain English
The last part of a helicopter approach where you stop flying by instruments and finish the trip to the heliport visually. You can only fly this segment if the weather lets you see well enough to navigate by sight.
Context Anchor
Seen on helicopter instrument approach procedures to VFR heliports, especially point-in-space approaches where the chart sends the pilot from a final approach point or missed approach point toward the heliport visually.
Derivation
Proceed comes from Latin roots meaning to go forward. VFR means visual flight rules. Together, Proceed VFR means the pilot may go forward only by using outside visual reference and following the rules for visual flight.
Why Pilots Care
Allows safe completion of the approach at heliports without full instrument landing facilities.
Grounding Statement
At this point, the approach has brought you close, but the safe finish depends on what you can actually see outside.
Intuition Check
Do not assume Proceed VFR means “keep flying the instrument approach.” It means the protected instrument portion is over, and the continuation to the heliport must be made visually under VFR conditions.
Example Sentence 1
After reaching the missed approach point with the heliport in sight and the required visibility, the crew began the proceed VFR segment to the hospital pad.
Example Sentence 2
The proceed VFR segment permitted visual navigation to the landing pad once clear of clouds.