CE-680A flight crew reported low altitude alert from ATC during initial approach.
Synopsis
CE-680A flight crew reported low altitude alert from ATC during initial approach.
Narrative
We were cleared for the LOC DME and crossing ZZZZZ we had the airport in sight. I began descent Toward the briefed Visual RWY XX altitude for ZZZZZ1 without first notifying ZZZ Tower that we had the field in sight. Nearing ZZZZZ2 Tower said Aircraft X low altitude alert for ZZZZZ2"; we said airport in sight. He said "Cleared for the Visual;" and we continued and landed normally without any issues. When we were taxiing in Tower said "My Supervisor wants you to give him a quick call when you have a chance; there's no problem." We unloaded the passengers and gave him a call. He was very nice; and said he just wanted to stress the importance of letting the Tower know when we are transferring from the instrument approach to a visual approach. He said this is a very common occurrence with pilots on that particular approach; and it puts extra workload on the controller. We agreed we made the mistake and thanked him for his time and understanding. Suggestions: Don't get distracted and forget that you are obligated to inform the Tower that you would like to proceed on a visual approach. If you do not make this communication; and do not receive the visual clearance. Continue with the Instrument approach honoring all required crossing restrictions."
Second reporter narrative
I was Pilot Monitoring; the PIC was Pilot Flying. We were on the LOC approach; in IMC. We broke out of clouds just past ZZZZZ and had the field in sight. We then descended to the visual approach altitudes on the visual procedure. Because of the high workload; we forget to call the field in sight and as such; we were not cleared for the visual. The controller issued a low altitude alert as were below the MDA on the procedure; but well above the altitude on the visual procedure. We had the airport and the terrain in sight at all times. After landing; we were given a phone number. We spoke to the Tower Supervisor who politely reminded us that we needed to be cleared for the visual to descend below the MDA. No pilot deviation was given.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.