Hello everyone, I have a couple of questions:

1. Based on the chart in the image, is this type of procedure (Visual RNP) valid for making approaches when flying VFR?

2. Assuming so; if my flight path is the purple arrow, can I fly directly to the point shown by the purple arrow (BO415), or must I enter via AMVES (red arrow)?

An RVFP approach may be issued as part of an IFR flight plan.

An RVFP is not published for public use and the operator is required to have a specific Operations Specification approval.

Required ceiling and visibility minima are published on the procedure chart.

An RVFP does normally does not have a missed approach procedure and is not evaluated for obstacle protection.

This NOT a VFR approach, although it must be flown in VMC and clear of clouds.

I've included a link to the Jepp trip kit for Borgata, with more info than you could ever use.

https://www.airalandalus.org/sites/default/files/SKBO.pdf

On 11/21/2025 at 7:59 PM, PhrogPhlyer said:

This NOT a VFR approach, although it must be flown in VMC and clear of clouds.

Okay, so this type of letter that says "RNP Visual Procedure" doesn't apply to VFR procedures?

Why then the name "Visual Procedure..."

That letter is also published in the link you sent me; it's on page 51 and has the same name.

 

On the other hand, I still have the same doubt regarding the second question: if that chart is for IFR flight, and I am coming along a route indicated by the purple arrow, should I enter through AMVES or can I cut across and enter through "BO415" (on my published chart) or through "BO414" (on the chart you sent me)?

3 hours ago, wilivarob said:

Okay, so this type of letter that says "RNP Visual Procedure" doesn't apply to VFR procedures?

No. This is an instrument approach.

3 hours ago, wilivarob said:

Why then the name "Visual Procedure..."

All instrument approaches (except CAT III ILS approaches) have a final segment that needs to be flown by visual reference.

What's special about this approach is that you still have RNP guidance after the missed approach point (MAP) in the form of the BO481 waypoint. However, you need to be able to see the runway at the missed approach point BO480 to be able to continue the approach. I assume this is the reason for the slightly unusual name "RNP Visual Flight Procedure".

3 hours ago, wilivarob said:

On the other hand, I still have the same doubt regarding the second question: if that chart is for IFR flight, and I am coming along a route indicated by the purple arrow, should I enter through AMVES or can I cut across and enter through "BO415" (on my published chart) or through "BO414" (on the chart you sent me)?

I'm not really familiar with the rules for RNP approaches, but I'm pretty sure you have to start the approach at AMVES. For normal straight-in approaches, ATC can vector you to intercept the final approach course a few miles outside the final approach fix (FAF), but there is no final approach course in this case, so I'm pretty sure that's not an option here.

RNP approaches in general are a special category of approaches which require special equipment, training beyond just an instrument rating, and sometimes specific authorization to fly.  Note the speed restrictions here.  This is a Jet/Fast Turbo Prop only approach and the speed restrictions are mandatory and quite fast, and I know from our other discussions that you're using a Cessna 337H.

Not too knowledgeable about these things as they're for the "big guys" not for GA piston pilots like me, but as others have noted and despite having "Visual" in the name, this is still an IAP (Instrument Approach Procedure), flown IFR (under Instrument Flight Rules).  And there's a useful distinction here.  IFR does not imply IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions).  Thus, an approach (or portions of it) can be required to be flown under visual conditions, yet still be an IFR procedure because that term addresses the rules used, not the meteorological conditions it's flown in.

Hope that's clear.

As to where you could enter - the somewhat flippant answer is, where ATC instructs you to.  However, looking at this particular procedure I'm pretty sure that AMVES, listed as the IAF, is the only point which could be used.  This procedure is pretty constrained by the surrounding terrain, and appears to be designed to help "thread the needle" safely through that terrain. 

 

Scott

Edited November 24, 2025Nov 24 by tttocs

9 hours ago, wilivarob said:

"RNP Visual Procedure" doesn't apply to VFR procedures?

Why then the name "Visual Procedure..."

Repeating and summarizing the above excellent detailed post. This is common question. Note that is says "visual" procedure. Meaning it is part of an Instrument Approach Procedure, and if when you get to a given point in the approach you can see the airport environment "visually" then you may continue in visual meteorological condition to the landing. But you are still on your instrument approach, unless you cancel you IFR clearance.

Good questions, that's what these forums are all about.

Edited November 25, 2025Nov 25 by PhrogPhlyer