Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 5; Flight Crew Total 5000; Flight Crew Type 500
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
While making the RNAV Runway 31 Approach to SUN; I spotted the runway just prior to initiating a missed approach. The reported visibility was 3/4 mile but the in flight visibility was significantly better. There were no clouds and hence no ceiling. I advised the Controller that I had the airport in sight and would circle to land. He told me that I could not land since the visibility was below minimums. I responded that that wasn't true and that I could land since I had good contact with both the airport and the surrounding terrain. In an effort to be helpful he then issued a Special VFR clearance. I continued my circling maneuver and landed uneventfully. After landing he asked me for my estimate of the visibility and I estimated it at 1 1/4 mile. It actually must have been much better since I could see the entire runway even on my base leg. My concern and the reason for the report is that it was very distracting to have this conversation at a very flight critical moment and to have to quickly determine if the Controller was correct. Since circling minimums were published and the visibility appeared adequate; I believe I made the correct decision. I know the Controller was also trying to be helpful by issuing the Special VFR clearance but my understanding is that I didn't need it and that it must be requested by the pilot. Again; although the Controller was clearly trying to help me; it was very distracting to have to have an unnecessary conversation at that moment. If this possible situation were to arise again; I would advise the tower controller of my intentions well ahead of time so that any difference of opinion could be resolved at a less critical time.
General Aviation pilot on an RNAV Approach Runway 31 to SUN described some apparent confusion on the part of ATC regarding the minimums required for the procedure; adding the Controllers questions were very untimely.