Definition
An ATC instruction authorizing a pilot, after acquiring the heliport or landing area visually, to continue the approach using visual reference to the surface rather than continuing on instrument approach guidance. The pilot is responsible for visual obstacle avoidance and navigation to the landing point, but remains under ATC control and must comply with assigned altitudes, routing, and clearances until landing or further instruction.
Plain English
ATC is telling you: now that you can see where you're going, fly the rest of the way by looking outside. You're still talking to ATC and following their instructions, but you're using your eyes to find the heliport and avoid obstacles.
Context Anchor
Seen on helicopter instrument approach charts for approaches that end near a VFR heliport instead of directly at the landing area.
Derivation
Proceed comes from a Latin word meaning “to go forward.” Visual comes from a Latin word meaning “to see.” Together, the phrase means to go forward by sight, but on an approach chart it is a specific instruction with conditions: you must have the needed visual reference and keep it.
Why Pilots Care
Allows completion of an instrument approach at locations without full IFR landing infrastructure while maintaining safety through visual confirmation of the landing area.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Proceed Visually” as “just look outside and keep going.” It means continue only when the required visual reference is available and maintained; otherwise, fly the missed approach.
Example Sentence 1
After breaking out of the clouds, the pilot reported the hospital helipad in sight, and ATC responded, 'Cleared to proceed visually to the helipad, contact tower on 118.3.'
Example Sentence 2
The pilot continued the approach by proceeding visually once the landing zone was clearly visible ahead.