In this guide, we will look at VFR conditions and explain visual flight rules in detail and how they can help pilots fly safely.
VFR or visual flight rules are a set of conditions that allow pilots to fly safely and securely. Throughout the history of aviation, pilots have continually developed procedures and methods for staying safe in the skies.
Since the first flight by the Wright brothers, safety has been an iterative process where authorities and regulatory bodies have learned from past mistakes and implemented new policies that enable the modern aviation industry today.
VFR comes from the iterative safety practices that dictate the best conditions for pilots to operate aircraft. Under typical VFR, pilots are encouraged to fly in clear, blue and sunny skies with high visibility and less probability of weather changes.
VFR conditions enable private pilots to take to the skies and enjoy aviation to the fullest. But if pilots are to make the most of their licence, they will need to master VFR!
In this guide, we will look at VFR conditions and explain visual flight rules in detail and how they can help pilots fly safely.
Mastering VFR: Visual Flight Rules Explained
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) is a cornerstone of your flight training and mastering VFR is not only essential for passing your exams but also for becoming a confident, safe pilot.
As mentioned above, VFR refers to a set of 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. Weather phenomena like snow, rain, fog or hail can cause dips in visibility which can alter the performance of a pilot in the air.
While pilots can navigate the skies in low visibility conditions, they will need additional training, specifically an Instrument Rating (IR), to be able to fly an aircraft with confidence. However, for beginners with a PPL or a LAPL, VFR conditions are the way to go.
THE IMPORTANCE OF VFR
Under VFR, pilots are responsible for:
- Maintaining separation from other aircraft
This means keeping a safe distance and being able to see other aircraft in the skies. This not only allows for a safer route but allows the ground crew to plan routes carefully to not overlap with existing aircraft in the area.
- Navigating using visual references
A benefit of flying under VFR is that pilots can use visual cues and references to guide themselves. Flight routes are well-planned as it is, but even if a pilot become disoriented for some reason, they can use the high visibility to their advantage and figure out where they are in the area. For example, pilots can use landmarks, roads, rivers or other manmade or geographical features to pinpoint their location.
- Avoiding controlled or restricted airspace without clearance
VFR also enables pilots to avoid routes that are off-limits. The airspace isn’t completely free! There are invisible borders where pilots cannot fly, and these restricted airspaces require special clearance and entering them can be a very serious offence. This is why pilots need to fly under VFR so that they can avoid controlled airspaces and avoid fines or penalties.
CORE VFR REQUIREMENTS
There are several requirements to fly under VFR. Every pilot needs to master these requirements if they want to succeed and progress in the aviation community.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), there is a clear criterion for VFR flights:
Weather Minima
The weather minimum dictates the minimum acceptable weather conditions to safely operate an aircraft without additional certifications or training. VFR flights are only permitted in Visual Meteorological Conditions, and these conditions vary by airspace class, altitude, and whether you're flying above or below 3,000 ft.
For example, Class G Airspace allows for below 3,000 ft AMSL – this means that the skies are clear of clouds, and you can visually see the surface with 5 km visibility. Meanwhile, Controlled Airspace (Class A-D) requires 5 km visibility and a 1,000 ft vertical/1,500 m horizontal distance from clouds.
VFR NAVIGATION AND FLIGHT PLANNING
Visual navigation is an important component of training under the VFR framework. This means that pilots need to use 1:500,000 VFR charts. These charts are designed for slow to medium-speed aircraft and depict visual navigation aids, obstacles, and other aeronautical information.
These charts are commonly used for pre-flight planning, in-flight navigation, and pilot and navigator training. Furthermore, pilots must also be able to identify prominent features on the ground like railways, powerlines, and towns. Lastly, pilots can also use dead reckoning and pilotage to stay on course.
The concept of dead reckoning actually comes from the sea! In simple terms, dead reckoning is the process of calculating one's position, which is estimating the direction and distance travelled rather than by using landmarks or astronomical observations.
VFR is also extremely important for flight training. It can be used to calculate heading, ground speed, and ETA. Pilots can also use NOTAMs or weather reports like METARs to figure out the weather conditions for a particular flight.
VFR also enable pilots to maintain awareness and allow for effective radio work. For example, the airspace in the UK can be complex, especially in the crowded skies around London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
This is why VFR pilots must understand airspace classes and boundaries and learn how to request clearance from ATC when entering controlled airspaces. When pilots can see better, they can report incidents clearly as well. For example, pilots can use radio to communicate problems related to bird strikes, runway obstacles, or more. These cases are rare, but under VFR, pilots can effectively make decisions and communicate with the ground crew for added guidance and safety.
COMMON VFR MISTAKES (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)
Under VFR, everything is clearly defined. However, there are some mistakes that new pilots can make. Here are some of the top and most common VFR mistakes and how you can avoid them:
Flying into deteriorating weather:
Weather can be extremely fickle, but thanks to modern technology, we have the means to not only ascertain weather but also predict sudden changes. This is why pilots are advised to always assess the weather thoroughly and have an alternate plan. As mentioned above, pilots can use METARs or NOTAMs for better guidance or speak with professional pilots at their flight school for more advice.
Airspace infringements:
Airspaces rarely change, but in the off chance there is a sudden restricted airspace due to security reasons, pilots can use tools like SkyDemon or RunwayHD for situational awareness. While ATC and ground crew will always keep pilots up to date, having these additional tools can allow pilots to be aware of airspace changes.
ADVANTAGES OF VFR FLYING
There are several advantages of VFR flying. Here are some of the top reasons why pilots would want to fly under VFR:
Safer Skies
Traffic accidents can happen at any time, but they are most common during low visibility conditions.
This is also a common trope in Hollywood where people drive into other cars, obstacles or even houses due to rain, fog or other low-visibility conditions. Well, the same is true for aircraft as well. VFR flying allows for a more relaxed flying experience since the pilot can see everything and make smarter route choices. This means that you will not only be able to fly peacefully, but you also won’t have to worry about running into bird strikes, weather balloons, or other aircraft.
The risk of bird strikes is highest during the day because that is when birds are the most active. However, with high visibility and good communication with the ground crew, pilots can safely navigate around bird sightings and avoid these at times risky situations.
Smoother Experience
During clear days, the wings of your aircraft will not have to contend with the elements like rain or snow, which can result in a smoother flight.
Icing is a serious problem that can occur during cold weather, but if you fly under VFR, the chances of icing during the day, particularly during a clear day are virtually zero. This allows for an obstruction-free flight experience!
Focused Communication
As mentioned above, high visibility allows pilots to communicate clearly and effectively. When pilots can see everything, they can make smarter decisions and relay information in detail. Imagine flying in low visibility and not being able to communicate your location due to weather-related interference or not being able to ascertain geographical objects from the sky.
VFR encourages pilots to communicate issues or confusions clearly and enables them to safely navigate the skies with full guidance from the ground crew.
Best for Practising
Day-time flights are the default choice for new pilots who are seeking to hone their skills. VFR flights allow pilots to train, build hours, or fly recreationally without the fear of running into problems due to weather or visibility.
This is why LAPL or PPL pilots choose daytime flights as their go-to. Other than strict regulations, pilots choose to fly under VFR because it allows them to practice manoeuvres and master landings and take-offs.
Once pilots become comfortable with daytime flights, they can go for additional certifications such as the Instrument rating (IR) that allows pilots to use the onboard navigational equipment or avionics to fly aircraft without relying on visibility. This type of training can further enable pilots to go for a Night Rating which enables pilots to fly at night.
VFR FLIGHT SAFETY
Here is a short guide for how to conduct VFR flights using the most important safety considerations:
Available Airports
VFR flights enable pilots to see where they are heading. This means that during emergencies, they can see the nearest airport and land safely.
Knowing about all available airports is standard practice but becomes more critical during emergencies. In case of an emergency due to mechanical fault, bird strikes, or other problems, pilots will have to ground their aircraft as quickly and safely as possible. This is why every private pilot must know all the available airports that they can access during their route.
Higher Altitudes
VFR flights allow pilots to fly higher, especially if there are limited clouds. Higher altitudes may prove to be a safer and better way to train as well. For example, VFR conditions can encourage pilots to try out different manoeuvres safely.
In emergencies, higher altitudes can allow pilots to make important decisions since they will have more time to get to the ground, which means that they might be able to use this time to come up with an idea to stabilise the aircraft safely. Not to mention, the extra altitude may also come in handy when gliding due to a power failure, in which case the few extra miles can make a lot of difference.
Rest Well and Be Prepared
A rested pilot is a more capable pilot. When a pilot is well-rested, they can perform better. Even under VFR, the most common mistake pilots make is that they don’t let their bodies rest before a flight. We get it, flying is exciting, and sometimes new pilots might not sleep due to excitement. While excitement and enthusiasm are good, it is also conversely bad in the context of safety.
Even under VFR where everything is optimal for flight, the pilot's condition and skill will dictate the success of a flight. If you plan to operate an aircraft during the early hours, then it would be a good idea to adjust your sleep cycle so that you can rest well and be fully active during your flight.
Another common mistake pilots make is to not take in adequate hydration. Under VFR, the sun blares bright and it can also get hot inside the cockpit. This is why we encourage pilots to always remain hydrated. Keep in mind that dehydration can affect your body’s ability to react and your brain's capacity to process information quickly.
Some people believe that caffeine would be a great solution for combating mental and physical sluggishness, however, too much of it can be detrimental to you during your flight. This is why optimal VFR safety requires pilots to be well-rested, fully conscious, and aware of their surroundings.
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran in various types of light aircraft.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, fee structure, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.
Photo by Lorin Both on Unsplash
