VFR

VFR, or Visual Flight Rules, refers to a set of aviation regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going. VFR flights rely on the pilot’s visual reference to the ground and horizon and to other air traffic, with separation provided primarily by see-and-avoid rather than by air traffic control.

Operating under VFR typically requires weather conditions that allow visual navigation, known as visual meteorological conditions, and visibility and cloud clearance that meet the minima for the applicable airspace. These minima vary by country, airspace class, and altitude, and they are designed to ensure pilots can maintain separation from weather and other aircraft by sight. If conditions fall below VMC, pilots generally transition to instrument flight rules (IFR) or land.

Regulatory frameworks for VFR are country-dependent. In many jurisdictions, VFR flights are governed by general operating rules with additional requirements for specific airspace classes and times of day. Flight planning for VFR tends to emphasize route planning, fuel reserves, and the ability to maintain visual contact with terrain and traffic. While VFR flight plans are commonly recommended to improve safety and coordination, they are not always required for VFR operations; IFR flight plans are required for instrument flight.

VFR contrasts with IFR, under which flights are guided by aircraft instruments and air traffic control guidance, with separation provided by ATC rather than visual reference. VFR remains a cornerstone of general aviation, emphasizing practical navigation, situational awareness, and “see-and-avoid” as central safety concepts.