Visual approaches at night are only authorized at airports served by what type of approach?

Visual approaches at night are authorized at airports that are served by an instrument approach with Category D circling minimums. This is important because Category D minimums ensure that the aircraft has the necessary visibility and operational criteria to safely perform a visual approach, particularly in the less forgiving conditions of night flying. These minimums take into account the potential limitations in visibility that can occur at night, as well as the increased complexity in navigating to the runway.

In contrast, other types of approaches, such as standard visual flight rules approaches, may not provide the same level of assurance regarding visibility and obstacle clearance, especially in dark conditions. Similarly, non-precision approaches during daylight do not meet the heightened safety requirements that a night visual approach entails. Emergency landing procedures, while crucial, do not define a standard approach method for visual operations and thus would not apply to the question’s context.