What is the minimum reported ground visibility for a contact approach?

A contact approach requires a minimum reported ground visibility of 1 statute mile (SM). This standard is in place to ensure that pilots can maintain visual reference to the ground while conducting their approach, allowing for safe navigation to the airport.

When conducting a contact approach, pilots rely on visual cues and must be able to see the runway environment to ensure safety as they are not strictly following prescribed instrument approach procedures. The requirement of at least 1 SM ensures that there is enough visibility for pilots to maintain separation from obstacles and to visually confirm the runway before landing.

While options that specify visibility in nautical miles (NM) or lesser statute miles (SM) might seem practical in specific contexts, they do not meet the necessary safety requirements established for contact approaches. The decision for the minimum visibility requirement emphasizes maintaining a safe operational environment during approaches, especially in situations where pilots are transitioning from instrument to visual flight rules.