What is the required visibility condition for accepting visual approaches?

The correct response is that a visual approach requires the pilot to have the airport in sight. This condition is crucial because a visual approach allows a pilot to navigate and descend towards the runway using visual references, rather than relying solely on instruments. According to FAA regulations, once the pilot can visually locate the airport and there are clear visual routes available for landing, they can proceed to execute a visual approach, enhancing safety and improving efficiency.

This requirement implies that visibility conditions such as specific mile readings are not the primary factor in determining the feasibility of a visual approach. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of having the destination in sight, which allows the pilot to make informed decisions based on visual cues instead of strictly adhering to visibility distance standards.

While lower visibility conditions can limit certain operational aspects, the essence of a visual approach lies in direct visual reference to the airport. Thus, meeting this visual reference requirement serves as a key operational guideline.