Medium Large Transport
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Speed All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Procedure; Human Factors; Manuals; Company Policy
During approach to land we were given the instructions to maintain 170 knots until 5 mile final; cleared visual approach following traffic; contact Tower at the FAF. During about the last 10 miles of the approach I noticed I was gaining on the traffic in front of me. As they approached the FAF I was nearly 2.5 miles in trail and still gaining so I made the decision to begin slowing early to prevent us getting too close on the visual approach and to prevent the need for a go around or discontinued approach. I have seen this issue many times with Approach bunching up aircraft and or people slowing early so I corrected to prevent a safety and closure issue.I slowed to about 150 knots about 7 or so miles before ATC had instructed. Separation was kept at about 2.5 miles after my correction and the approach and landing was continued safely and without incident. Like I said I have noticed this issue many many times with both Check Airman and line Captains and I haven't received comprehensive clarification as far as what the FAA feels we should do. I just saw the email today from safety and professional standards about the possibility of deviations for people slowing early on approaches and felt I should [report] my latest experience; but am still wondering. If I am cleared for a visual approach am I not responsible for my own see and avoid and thereby the spacing. Would ATC prefer me to do get too close for their separation monitors doing the assigned speed and then have to issue a go around or cancel approach clearance altogether?
A pilot conducting a visual approach reported reducing their airspeed below the speed assigned by ATC.