To be cleared for a visual approach, overtaking aircraft must be advised of the ___ and ___ of the preceding aircraft.

• A. Altitude; heading
• B. Distance; speed difference
• C. Position; call sign
• D. Climb rate; descent rate

Answer: (B)

When a pilot is cleared for a visual approach behind another aircraft, the information that matters most is how far behind the lead aircraft you are and how its speed compares to yours. Knowing the distance to the preceding aircraft lets you estimate how long it will take to close the gap, while the speed difference tells you whether you’ll gain on it, hold distance, or fall further behind. This dynamic information is essential for planning the visual tracking and ensuring safe separation as you maneuver toward the runway.

Altitude and heading don’t alone tell you how close you are or how quickly the lead is moving. Position and call sign identify traffic but don’t convey relative motion. Climb and descent rates aren’t the primary factors needed for judging overtaking in a visual approach.