Why must the pilot adhere closely to the flight track after becoming visual?

The principal reason a pilot must adhere closely to the flight track after becoming visual is primarily to maintain safety and compliance with air traffic control procedures. When pilots switch from instrument flight rules (IFR) to visual flight rules (VFR), they often have a clearer view of their surroundings and can identify the airport and other visual reference points. However, even in visual conditions, it is crucial for pilots to continue following established flight paths to avoid conflicts with other aircraft and to ensure safe navigation around any potential obstacles, such as urban development or terrain.

Maintaining the flight track helps in keeping the flight predictable and allows air traffic controllers to manage multiple aircraft safely in the airspace. By adhering to the flight track, pilots minimize the risk of deviation that could lead to close encounters with obstacles or other aircraft, improving overall operational safety.

Additionally, the flight track is often designed to optimize arrival procedures, accounting for noise abatement and minimizing the impact on surrounding communities, even if that is not the primary focus of visual adherence. However, safety and navigation safety remain the focus. Thus, while increasing flight efficiency can be a secondary benefit, that is not the principal reason for such adherence.