What does the statement "fly visual 261 deg 3.9 NM" indicate about the approach to Rifle/Garfield County Regional?

The statement "fly visual 261 deg 3.9 NM" indicates that the pilot is being instructed to fly visually towards the airport, specifically on a bearing of 261 degrees for a distance of 3.9 nautical miles. This type of instruction implies that the pilot is expected to navigate with visual reference, which is key in visual flight rules (VFR) operations.

In this context, maintaining visual contact with the ground and remaining clear of clouds is crucial for safety. The pilot must be able to see and avoid obstacles, other aircraft, and any potential hazards while approaching the airport. Therefore, being required to stay clear of clouds aligns directly with the need to observe visual flight rules.

Other options, while they present varying scenarios, do not accurately reflect the requirements of flying visually. For instance, flying in a straight line to the airport might not always be practical or possible due to airspace restrictions or terrain. Similarly, being allowed to proceed through clouds or needing to request further instructions from Air Traffic Control would contradict the essence of visual flight, which relies on maintaining visual references rather than relying solely on instrument navigation or ATC guidance.