VFR
See-and-avoid navigation
VFR stands for Visual Flight Rules, the regulations governing aircraft flight when pilots can see well enough to navigate by visual reference to the ground and avoid other aircraft.
VFR requires minimum visibility and distance from clouds.
Pilots contrast it with IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), used when weather conditions prevent visual navigation: The weather's clear—we're going VFR.
Enforced rules and standards
- FAAU.S. flight safety agency
- airspaceRegulated overhead flight zone
- visibilityRange of clear sight
- ceilingRoom's upper surface
Range of clear sight
- ceilingRoom's upper surface
- clear skiesAbsence of cloud cover
- blue skyUnclouded daytime atmosphere
- sunshineDirect rays from above
horizon · unobstructed · daylight · fair weather · scattered clouds · good weather · calm winds · mild
Traversing wide natural terrain
- pilotageShip navigation expertise
- dead reckoningPosition-tracking via estimated motion
- landmarksDistinctive, recognizable locations
- scenic flightAircraft trip for sightseeing
sightseeing · low altitude · checkpoints · waypoints · en route · cruising altitude · touch and go · grass strip
Licensed noncommercial aircraft operator
- student pilotLearning to fly aircraft
- checkridePilot certification examination
- logbookOfficial record of events
- flight hoursTime spent piloting aircraft
medical certificate · preflight · flight planning · sectional · kneeboard · headset · sunglasses
regulations
Enforced rules and standards
- FAAU.S. flight safety agency
- airspaceRegulated overhead flight zone
- visibilityRange of clear sight
ceiling · transponder · flight plan · right of way · daylight
visibility
Range of clear sight
- ceilingRoom's upper surface
- clear skiesAbsence of cloud cover
- blue skyUnclouded daytime atmosphere
sunshine · horizon · unobstructed · daylight · fair weather · scattered clouds · good weather · calm winds · mild · temperate
cross-country
Traversing wide natural terrain
- pilotageShip navigation expertise
- dead reckoningPosition-tracking via estimated motion
- landmarksDistinctive, recognizable locations
scenic flight · sightseeing · low altitude · checkpoints · waypoints · en route · cruising altitude · touch and go · grass strip · backcountry
private pilot
Licensed noncommercial aircraft operator
- student pilotLearning to fly aircraft
- checkridePilot certification examination
- logbookOfficial record of events
flight hours · medical certificate · preflight · flight planning · sectional · kneeboard · headset · sunglasses