What is VFR?

VFR stands for Visual Flight Rules. These rules mean in short: Flying and navigating by vision (looking out of the window of your aircraft). It means flying by the “sight of eye”. This is only possible in good weather conditions, the so-called Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).

What are the Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)?

Visual Meteorological Conditions are literally described as:
· Minimum (flight) visibility of 5 km,
· Minimum distance from clouds:

• 1.500 m horizontally and
• 300 m (1 000 ft) vertically.

These minima are (ICAO) standard and need to be applied constantly.
Note: ICAO stands for International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Thus, you can only fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), if you are able to comply (constantly) with the Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
Note: Flying according to VFRules is by itself independent of being controlled by air traffic control. Wherever, inside or outside of controlled airspace. It is the VFRules (VMC) that count.

Airspace.

The airspace is divided in so-called “classes” (A - G). Each class has its own specific requirements in respect of visibility and distance from clouds, together with an additional number of requirements. On the appropriate maps you can find this division of airspace. Elsewhere in this Academy there is a separate chapter explaining.

Procedures.

Main thing for VFR flying is: To see and to be seen ! That’s why strict adherence to the VMC rules is a necessity. As a pilot you have to be “visible” and you have to able to "see".
Other and additional procedures depend on the local circumstances. So check your local rules!
Basically it means:

• Know the local rules that (may) apply
• Must receive clearance from ATC to enter certain types of airspace (international rules vary).
• Pilot is responsible for avoiding other aircraft visually, except in classes of airspace where the controller provides separation services to VFR aircraft.
• Must fly in good weather subject to certain specified legal minimums (that differ to some degree from country to country)
• Must always be able to fly visually, but can use instruments to help.
• Might not be required to use instruments.
• May file a route but is not required to.
• Can request traffic advisories from ATC, but ATC may decline, if the controller is too busy.