Visual approach pattern

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pericynthion

Well-Known Member
Arriving IFR into Oakland from the southeast. 2000ft ceilings and rain showers, so not much VFR activity going on. I request and receive the visual approach to runway 15. Transferred to tower who clears me to land, with no further instructions. Am I authorized to fly pretty much any path I like in order to get turned around ~180 degrees for landing on 15?

I could/should have asked for clarification, but I just maneuvered for a left downwind entry, trying to stay over the freeway and the water to avoid noise pollution. Seemed reasonable. If there had been VFR traffic I guess I'd have received more specific instructions?
 
Absent any pattern entry instruction, you're expected to proceed, somehow, to the approach end of your landing runway. What you did is fine. If you're unsure, ask for clarification.
 
Yup you did fine, unless there are notams or published airfield procedures that prohibit something, the only requirement is to proceed visually and clear of clouds to the airport and runway of intended landing
 
It's pretty funny that we spend all this IFR training time on how to do approaches and instructors almost never cover the visual approach. I remember I had this same question not too long ago. Now I try to make sure that the instrument student gets introduced to the visual approach as well as all the rest.
 
You can basically do maneuver however you want. It is expected in most cases that you would take the most expedtitious means to get to the airport but it's not required. It's the controllers job to put you into a position so you don't need unnesscesary maneuvering to get to the runway. If you need to maneuver for wahtever reason it's probably best to advise the controller. Something along the lines of "approach, N123, can we turn 15 right to lose some altitude" would be a good idea. That way, a controller can adjust for any traffic that may follow.
 
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