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. A vector for a visual approach may be initiated if
    1. The reported ceiling at the aerodrome of intended landing is at least 500 feet above the MVA/MIA and the visibility is 5KM or greater; or
    2. At aerodromes without weather reporting service there must be reasonable assurance (e.g. area weather reports, PIREPs, etc.) that descent and flight to the aerodrome can be made visually, and the pilot must be informed that weather information is not available. 
  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 flight crew shall inform the ATC unit accordingly, stating their requirements.
  5. Go Around: An aircraft unable to complete a landing from a visual approach must be handled as any go−around.
    1. At aerodromes with an operating control tower, aircraft executing a go-around may be directed to:
      1. Enter the traffic circuit for landing. An altitude assignment is not required. The pilot is expected to climb to circuit altitude and is responsible to maintain terrain and obstruction avoidance. ATC must provide approved separation or visual separation from other IFR aircraft, or
      2. Proceed as otherwise instructed by ATC. The pilot is expected to comply with assigned instructions, and responsible to maintain terrain and obstruction avoidance until reaching an ATC assigned altitude. ATC is responsible to provide instructions to the pilot to facilitate a climb to the minimum altitude for instrument operations. ATC must provide approved separation or visual separation from other IFR aircraft.
    2. At aerodromes without an operating control tower, aircraft executing a go-around are expected to complete a landing as soon as possible or contact ATC for further clearance. ATC must maintain approved separation from other IFR aircraft.