The visual approach allows a pilot to fly to the runway without having to perform an instrument approach.[2] This can greatly reduce pilot and controller workload, and expedite traffic by shortening flight paths to the airport.[2] Taking a shorter route to the airport in lieu of flying a complicated instrument approach procedure (IAP) can increase pilot safety, as the critical tasks of approach and landing occur when pilots are most fatigued.[3][2] Controllers also benefit from visual approaches, for whom a visual approach is an essential tool in the effort to maximize traffic flow (especially at busy airports). Visual approaches dramatically reduce controller workload—ATC's IFR separation requirements may be reduced, under specific rules and circumstances, which relieves controllers of the burden.[4]