Definition
The phase of an instrument approach in which the pilot shifts primary reference from the flight instruments to outside visual cues (the runway environment) in order to complete the landing. This transition occurs at or before the missed approach point, only when the required visual references are in sight and the aircraft is in a position to land using normal maneuvers.
Plain English
The moment near the end of an instrument approach when the pilot stops flying by the instruments and starts flying by looking outside, using the runway and its lights to land the airplane.
Context Anchor
Seen during instrument approach and landing discussions, especially when a pilot breaks out of clouds or low visibility and must continue visually to the runway.
Derivation
Transition comes from a Latin idea meaning “to go across” or “to pass from one state to another.” Visual comes from a Latin word meaning “to see.” Together, the phrase points to passing from instrument-guided flight to flight guided mainly by what the pilot can see outside.
Why Pilots Care
A smooth transition prevents spatial disorientation and allows precise alignment with the runway using natural visual references.
Grounding Statement
The key idea is a controlled shift of attention: from the instruments inside the cockpit to the runway environment outside, without losing control of the airplane.
Intuition Check
Transition to visual flight does not mean the flight is suddenly “visual only” or that the instruments no longer matter. It means outside references become the main guide, while the pilot still checks instruments as needed to stay stable and safe.
Example Sentence 1
Approaching minimums on the ILS, the pilot saw the approach lights and began the transition to visual flight.
Example Sentence 2
Training emphasizes a deliberate transition to visual flight so the airplane remains stable when instruments are no longer the primary reference.