All of the following are conditions for authorizing visual separation EXCEPT?

Visual separation is a technique used in air traffic control that involves the use of visual cues to maintain aircraft spacing. For a controller to authorize visual separation, certain conditions need to be met to ensure safety and effective management of air traffic.

The correct answer highlights that both aircraft do not need to be under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) for visual separation to be authorized. In fact, one of the key aspects of visual separation is the ability for at least one of the aircraft to be visually observed by the controller or by other pilots involved. This means that visual separation can be applied to both visual flight rules (VFR) and IFR aircraft, given that the appropriate conditions are met, such as maintaining visual contact.

The other conditions that are required for authorizing visual separation emphasize the necessity of having visual observation of the aircraft involved and the involvement of the controlling tower. For example, both aircraft must be in sight of the tower and at least one must be visually verified to ensure safe distances are maintained. Establishing separation procedures is also critical to ensure that there is clarity on how to maintain the necessary spatial separation.