An approach conducted by an aircraft on an IFR flight plan that allows visual progress to the airport is referred to as what type of approach?

The approach referred to is known as a visual approach. This type of approach is specifically designed for aircraft operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) that permits the pilot to navigate visually to the airport once they have established visual reference with the runway or the airport environment.

During a visual approach, pilots rely on their own vision of the ground, rather than solely on instruments, to guide them to landing. This enhances situational awareness and allows for more flexibility, as it can expedite the landing process in good weather conditions. Pilots must ensure they can maintain proper separation from other traffic and ensure they are in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) when conducting such approaches.

In contrast, other types of approaches, like ILS (Instrument Landing System) or VOR/DME (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment), depend on specific navigational aids and instrument readings, rather than visual references alone. An alternate approach generally pertains to a secondary airport designated for use if landing at the primary airport is not possible, which does not pertain to the visual reference implied by the question. Thus, the visual approach is recognized for its reliance on visual cues to navigate and land at the airport.