Which requirement is necessary to accept a visual approach?

• A. Flight operates entirely in class B, C, D airspace
• B. Under control of ATC
• C. Within 35 miles of destination in class E
• D. Must have airport or preceding aircraft in sight

Answer: (B)

Visual approaches are conducted under ATC control and clearance, with you proceeding visually as instructed by the controller. The essential requirement to accept a visual approach is that you are under ATC control—the controller must issue the clearance and provide separation from other traffic. Without ATC control, a pilot cannot accept or fly a visual approach because there would be no authoritative guidance or traffic separation.

The other factors aren’t the gating requirements for accepting the approach. The airspace type isn’t restricted to a specific set of classes, and there’s no distance-based threshold like a 35-mile limit to accept one. Having the airport or a preceding aircraft in sight is important for executing a visual approach, but the key condition that allows you to accept it in the first place is ATC authorization and control.