Definition
A line drawn on an instrument approach chart that depicts the visual portion of the approach between the missed approach point or decision altitude and the runway threshold. It shows the path the pilot is expected to fly visually after transitioning from instrument references to outside references at the end of the instrument segment.
Plain English
It is a line on an approach chart that shows the visual path from where the instrument approach ends to the runway. Once the pilot can see the runway environment, this line shows roughly where the airplane should be heading to land.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument approach design, obstacle-clearance discussions, and explanations of why an approach may have certain visibility requirements or chart notes.
Why Pilots Care
It allows pilots to anticipate the exact moment they should transition from instrument guidance to visual references, supporting a stable and timely decision to land or go around.
Grounding Statement
Picture breaking out of the clouds and continuing visually toward the runway; the Visual Segment Reference Line is the design line used to evaluate that last path.
Intuition Check
Do not picture a visible runway stripe or cockpit display line. In this context, “line” means an imaginary design reference used to evaluate the visual part of an instrument approach.
Example Sentence 1
During the briefing, the captain pointed to the visual segment reference line on the chart and noted the slight offset from the runway centerline.
Example Sentence 2
Once past the Visual Segment Reference Line with the runway in sight, the pilot completed the landing visually.