AIM

8/15/19

5

−

4

−

63

Arrival Procedures

EXAMPLE

−

Cleared contact approach (and, if required) at or below
(altitude) (routing) if not possible (alternative procedures)
and advise.

c.

A contact approach is an approach procedure

that may be used by a pilot (with prior authorization
from ATC) in lieu of conducting a standard or special
IAP to an airport. It is not intended for use by a pilot
on an IFR flight clearance to operate to an airport not
having a published and functioning IAP. Nor is it
intended for an aircraft to conduct an instrument
approach to one airport and then, when “in the clear,”
discontinue that approach and proceed to another
airport. In the execution of a contact approach, the
pilot assumes the responsibility for obstruction
clearance. If radar service is being received, it will
automatically terminate when the pilot is instructed to
change to advisory frequency.

5

−

4

−

26. Landing Priority

A clearance for a specific type of approach (ILS,
RNAV, GLS, ADF, VOR or Visual Approach) to an
aircraft operating on an IFR flight plan does not mean
that landing priority will be given over other traffic.
ATCTs handle all aircraft, regardless of the type of
flight plan, on a “first

−

come, first

−

served” basis.

Therefore, because of local traffic or runway in use,
it may be necessary for the controller in the interest
of safety, to provide a different landing sequence. In
any case, a landing sequence will be issued to each
aircraft as soon as possible to enable the pilot to
properly adjust the aircraft’s flight path.

5

−

4

−

27. Overhead Approach Maneuver

a.

Pilots operating in accordance with an

IFR flight plan in Visual Meteorological Condi-

tions (VMC) may request ATC authorization for an
overhead maneuver. An overhead maneuver is not an
instrument approach procedure. Overhead maneuver
patterns are developed at airports where aircraft have
an operational need to conduct the maneuver. An
aircraft conducting an overhead maneuver is
considered to be VFR and the IFR flight plan is
canceled when the aircraft reaches the initial point on
the initial approach portion of the maneuver. (See
FIG 5

−

4

−

36.) The existence of a standard overhead

maneuver pattern does not eliminate the possible
requirement for an aircraft to conform to convention-
al rectangular patterns if an overhead maneuver
cannot be approved. Aircraft operating to an airport
without a functioning control tower must initiate
cancellation of an IFR flight plan prior to executing
the overhead maneuver. Cancellation of the IFR
flight plan must be accomplished after crossing the
landing threshold on the initial portion of the
maneuver or after landing. Controllers may authorize
an overhead maneuver and issue the following to
arriving aircraft:

1.

Pattern altitude and direction of traffic. This

information may be omitted if either is standard.

PHRASEOLOGY

−

PATTERN ALTITUDE (altitude). RIGHT TURNS.

2.

Request for a report on initial approach.

PHRASEOLOGY

−

REPORT INITIAL.

3.

“Break” information and a request for the

pilot to report. The “Break Point” will be specified if
nonstandard. Pilots may be requested to report
“break” if required for traffic or other reasons.

PHRASEOLOGY

−

BREAK AT (specified point).
REPORT BREAK.