Definition
The point during an instrument approach when the pilot shifts primary reference from cockpit instruments to outside visual cues after acquiring the required visual references for the runway environment, in order to continue and complete the landing visually.
Plain English
The moment on an instrument approach when you stop flying by your instruments and start flying by what you can see outside, because you now have the runway or its lights in sight.
Context Anchor
Seen during instrument arrivals and approaches, especially when a pilot changes from instrument-based flying to a visual approach or the visual final part of an approach.
Derivation
Transition comes from Latin transire, meaning “to go across.” Visual comes from Latin videre, meaning “to see.” Together, the phrase points to crossing from instrument-based flying to sight-based flying.
Why Pilots Care
A safe, stabilized landing requires positive visual confirmation of the runway before continuing below decision altitude or missed approach point.
Intuition Check
Transition to visual does not mean “cancel instrument flight rules” or “just look outside whenever you want.” It means your main flying reference changes to what you can see outside only when the needed visual cues are in sight and the clearance or procedure allows it.
Example Sentence 1
At minimums, the pilot saw the approach lights and began the transition to visual for landing.
Example Sentence 2
After the transition to visual, the crew aligned the aircraft with the runway centerline using outside cues.