What conditions must be met for a contact approach to be performed after arriving on an IFR flight plan?

For a contact approach to be performed after arriving on an IFR flight plan, the primary conditions that must be satisfied include being clear of clouds and maintaining at least 1 statute mile (SM) of flight visibility. This ensures that the pilot has adequate visual reference to navigate and land safely. The intent of a contact approach is to allow a pilot to proceed visually to the airport or a landing point when instrument conditions prevail, thus improving flexibility in approaches when weather conditions permit.

Maintaining these visibility criteria is crucial for safety, as it allows pilots to see and avoid obstacles, other aircraft, and to safely manage their descent and landing. The requirement for being clear of clouds ensures that the pilot can maintain visual contact with the ground, which is essential for effective navigation during the approach phase.