Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Essentials

What Are Visual Flight Rules (VFR)?

Visual Flight Rules govern flights conducted primarily by reference to visual cues outside the cockpit. Under VFR, the pilot is responsible for maintaining separation from terrain and other aircraft using visual observation, rather than depending on instruments or ATC instructions for navigation and avoidance.

VFR Requirements and VMC Minima

To operate under VFR, the aircraft must remain in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) at all times. This means minimum visibility and cloud clearance must be maintained, with specific values depending on airspace class and altitude. For example, within a control zone (CTR), VFR flights are not permitted to take off or enter if the cloud base is below 1500 ft or ground visibility is less than 5 km, unless a Special VFR clearance is granted.

Key VFR requirements include:

• Maintaining prescribed visibility and distance from clouds
• Operating below FL285 (unless specifically authorised)
• Adhering to minimum altitudes, especially at night or over mountainous terrain
• Complying with ATC instructions in controlled airspace

Special VFR and Loss of VMC

If a VFR flight cannot continue in VMC within controlled airspace, the pilot must request a Special VFR clearance from ATC. Special VFR allows flight within a control zone in conditions below standard VMC, but only with explicit ATC clearance and subject to local restrictions. If visual reference is lost during a circling approach, the pilot must initiate a missed approach, climb to a safe altitude, and inform ATC immediately.

Changing Between IFR and VFR

A pilot may request to change from IFR to VFR by informing ATC. ATC will approve the change if VMC exist and the airspace and traffic situation allow. Once under VFR, the pilot assumes full responsibility for separation and navigation by visual means.

Obstacle Clearance During Visual Manoeuvring

When circling visually outside the final approach area, the pilot must ensure sufficient clearance from prominent obstacles, maintaining at least the minimum required distance above terrain or obstacles within 8 km of the aircraft's position.