"Ron Rosenfeld" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 14 Feb 2005 09:57:55 -0600, "Stan Prevost"
wrote:

Where does the 1000 come from?

P/CG

VISUAL APPROACH- An approach conducted on an instrument flight rules (IFR)
flight plan which authorizes the pilot to proceed visually and clear of
clouds to the airport. The pilot must, at all times, have either the
airport or the preceding aircraft in sight. This approach must be
authorized and under the control of the appropriate air traffic control
facility. Reported weather at the airport must be ceiling at or above
1,000
feet and visibility of 3 miles or greater.

AIM 5-4-21
5-4-21. Visual Approach

a. A visual approach is conducted on an IFR flight plan and authorizes
a pilot to proceed visually and clear of clouds to the airport. The pilot
must have either the airport or the preceding identified aircraft in
sight.
This approach must be authorized and controlled by the appropriate air
traffic control facility. Reported weather at the airport must have a
ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and visibility 3 miles or greater. ATC may
authorize this type approach when it will be operationally beneficial.
Visual approaches are an IFR procedure conducted under IFR in visual
meteorological conditions. Cloud clearance requirements of 14 CFR Section
91.155 are not applicable, unless required by operation specifications.

b. Operating to an Airport Without Weather Reporting Service. ATC will
advise the pilot when weather is not available at the destination airport.
ATC may initiate a visual approach provided there is a reasonable
assurance
that weather at the airport is a ceiling at or above 1,000 feet and
visibility 3 miles or greater (e.g. area weather reports, PIREPs, etc.).




Yes, but ATC is bound by 7110.65, which in 7-4-3 says (without regard to
airspace class or surface areas)
b. Resolve potential conflicts with all other aircraft, advise an overtaking
aircraft of the distance to the preceding aircraft and speed difference, and
ensure that weather conditions at the airport are VFR or that the pilot has
been informed that weather is not available for the destination airport.
Upon pilot request, advise the pilot of the frequency to receive weather
information where AWOS/ASOS is available.