When a pilot is cleared for a visual approach, what happens to radar service?

When a pilot is cleared for a visual approach, radar service is automatically terminated upon changing frequencies. This is because visual approaches allow pilots to navigate and land visually, which reduces the need for continuous radar guidance from air traffic control. Once a pilot is cleared for a visual approach and acknowledges that clearance, they typically switch to a frequency that controls the airport’s traffic, at which point radar service ends. This is an operational procedure designed to streamline communications and ensure that air traffic control can focus on managing traffic on the ground and in the airspace around the airport.

The option regarding radar service continuing until touchdown does not apply in this context, as the transition to visual navigation implies that pilots are capable of making final approach decisions using visual references. While radar service can sometimes remain active, it is not standard procedure during visual approaches. The idea that radar service is optional during visual approaches doesn't align with the protocol that establishes definitiveness regarding service termination upon frequency change. Lastly, since frequency change is integral to the visual approach clearance, the notion of radar service remaining until approach completion does not fit with established practices surrounding visual approaches and communication protocols.