ENR 1.3 INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES

1.3.1 GENERAL

In instrument meteorological conditions, pilots shall operate in accordance with the instrument flight rules except that within class B, class C, class D airspace and class E Surface airspace, a special VFR flight may be authorized.

1.3.2 AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT

Aircraft operated as an IFR flight shall be equipped with suitable instruments and navigation equipment appropriate to the route to be flown.

1.3.3 MINIMUM LEVELS FOR IFR FLIGHT

  1. Except when necessary for take-off or landing, or except when specifically authorized by the appropriate authority, an IFR flight shall be flown at a level which is not below the minimum flight altitude, or, where no such minimum flight altitude has been established:
    1. Over high terrain or in mountainous areas, at a level which is at least 2000FT above the highest obstacle located within 5NM of the estimated position of the aircraft;
    2. Elsewhere than as specified in a) at a level which is at least 1000FT above the highest obstacle located within 5NM of the estimated position of the aircraft.
  2. Except when necessary for take-off or landing, or except when specifically authorized by the appropriate authority, an IFR flight operated within controlled airspace shall select altitudes or flight levels as specified in the Flight Regulations, and authorized by air traffic control clearances.

1.3.4 CHANGE FROM IFR FLIGHT TO VFR FLIGHT

An aircraft electing to change the conduct of its flight from compliance with the IFR to compliance with the VFR shall, if a flight plan was submitted, notify the appropriate ATC unit thereto the changes to be made to its current flight plan. When an aircraft operating under the IFR is flown in or encounters VMC it shall not cancel its IFR flight unless it is anticipated, and intended, that the flight will be continued for a reasonable period of time in uninterrupted VMC.

1.3.5 VISUAL APPROACH

  1. Daytime: Clearance for an IFR flight to execute a visual approach may be requested by the pilot or initiated by the controller. In the latter case, the concurrence of the pilot shall be required.
  2. Nighttime:
    1. When the pilot is familiar with the destination airport and the surrounding environment, and can maintain visual reference to the terrain and obstacles continuously, the pilot can request to execute visual approach from controller.
    2. Controller shall issue the instrument approach procedures and shall not initiate a visual approach.
  3. An IFR flight may be cleared to execute a visual approach provided the pilot can maintain visual reference to the terrain under the approach path and:
    1. The reported ceiling is at or above the approved initial approach level for the aircraft so cleared; or
    2. The pilot reports at the initial approach level or at any time during the instrument approach procedure that the meteorological conditions are such that with reasonable assurance a visual approach and landing can be completed.
  4. Separation:
    1. Separation shall be provided between an aircraft cleared to execute a visual approach and other arriving and departing aircraft.
    2. For successive visual approaches, controller will provide separation until the pilot of a succeeding aircraft reports having the preceding aircraft in sight. The aircraft shall then be instructed to follow and maintain own separation from the preceding aircraft. When both aircraft are of a heavy wake turbulence category, or the preceding aircraft is of a heavier wake turbulence category than the following, and the distance between the aircraft is less than the appropriate wake turbulence minimum, the controller shall issue a caution of possible wake turbulence. The pilot-in-command of the aircraft concerned shall be responsible for ensuring that the spacing from a preceding aircraft of a heavier wake turbulence category is acceptable. If it is determined that additional spacing is required, the pilot shall inform the ATC unit accordingly, stating their requirements.
  5. Go Around: There is no missed approach segment for visual approach.
    1. Daytime: An aircraft unable to complete a visual approach shall be handled as any go-around and appropriate separation must be provided by ATC.
    2. Nighttime:
      1. If the pilot abandons visual approach to landing, shall advise the controller and overfly the runway, climb and enter the traffic circuit via the crosswind leg.
      2. If the controller instructs the pilot to abandon the visual approach, the controller shall give further instruction, and shall not initiate the pilot to join the traffic circuit.