The best way to think about it is that "cleared for the visual"
releases you from any altitude or heading/course restrictions that
were part of your previous clearance and allows you to visually enter
the pattern (in this case on a left downwind). Before the visual
clearance you were stuck at an altitude and course because of your
clearance. Remeber though that you are still IFR, a visual approach
cannot be given to a VFR aircraft. Don't forget to cancel your IFR at
some point if its not a towered field.

-Robert



"Stuart King" wrote in message . com...
The situation....

Your on an IFR plan, in VMC. You see the airport and make your call: N123
has the field.

ATC : N123 cleard for the visual approach to rwy 9, contact tower 123.4

You : cleared for the vis to 9, over tower...thanks.

You : acb tower N123 with you on the visual to 9.

Tower : N123 roger, enter a left downwind for 9.


Does this mean you stay on downwind, or are you just enetering the pattern
and can make base/final anytime.

Clearance to land has not yet been given.


SK