Definition
An ICAO term for an approach by an IFR flight in which either part or all of the instrument approach procedure is not completed, and the approach is executed by visual reference to the terrain.
Plain English
An ICAO-defined approach where a pilot on an IFR flight plan finishes the landing approach by looking out the window and using the ground as a reference, rather than completing the published instrument procedure.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flight, air traffic control clearances, and procedure discussions when an IFR aircraft is close enough to the airport to continue visually.
Derivation
Visual' comes from the Latin visualis, meaning 'of sight.' 'Approach' comes from the Latin appropiare, 'to draw near.' Together: drawing near to the runway by sight rather than by instruments. The [ICAO] tag signals this is the international standards body's definition, which differs slightly from the FAA's.
Why Pilots Care
Allows a shorter, more direct path to the runway, saving time and fuel while reducing cockpit workload when visual contact is established.
Intuition Check
Do not read visual approach as “a normal VFR arrival” or “any landing in clear weather.” In ICAO use, it is tied to an IFR flight where all or part of the instrument approach is not completed because the pilot can continue visually.
Example Sentence 1
Operating into a foreign airport, the crew reviewed the ICAO visual approach criteria before accepting the clearance.
Example Sentence 2
The crew accepted the visual approach to avoid flying the full published instrument procedure in clear weather.