Cessna 310/T310C
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Training / Qualification; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
The airport was IFR due to low visibility caused by smoke. A C310 was VFR inbound to the airport and called about 20 miles out. The pilot checked on requesting a Contact Approach. Much confusion ensued as to whether this was appropriate use of the term. I believed it was only an IFR operation but was unable to climb the pilot to issue an IFR clearance because he was maintaining ground contact. Quick reference was made to the .65 and all we (I; another Controller; and a Supervisor) could determine was it needed to be requested by the pilot and 1 mile visibility. I issued the Contact Approach even though it didn't seem right at the time. After I got off position I reviewed the book and indeed found that it only applied to IFR aircraft on and instrument approach. The pilot should have requested a Special VFR clearance. This was the first time I ever had anyone request a contact approach. That being said; I still should have been more familiar with the operation. Review procedures that are rarely used more often.
Tower Controller described confusion regarding the application and clearance for a 'Contact Approach' vs. a 'Special VFR' request.