Understanding Vfrs: Airport Operations And Visual Flight Rules

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) are a set of regulations that pilots use to operate an aircraft in weather conditions clear enough to allow them to see where the aircraft is going. VFRs are the base set of rules that pilots are taught to fly with, and any pilot with a private pilot's license can use them. VFRs require pilots to be able to see outside the cockpit to control the aircraft's altitude, navigate, and avoid obstacles and other aircraft. They also require pilots to avoid clouds and abide by cloud clearance requirements. If the weather is less than visual meteorological conditions (VMC), pilots are required to use Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), which allow them to operate the aircraft primarily through referencing instruments rather than visual reference.

Visual flight rules (VFR) are a set of regulations that pilots use to operate an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow them to see where the aircraft is going

Visual flight rules (VFR) are a set of regulations that pilots use to operate an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow them to visually navigate where the aircraft is going. Specifically, the weather must be better than basic VFR weather minima, i.e., in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), as specified in the rules of the relevant aviation authority. The pilot must be able to operate the aircraft with visual reference to the ground, and by visually avoiding obstructions and other aircraft. If the weather is less than VMC, pilots are required to use instrument flight rules (IFR), and operation of the aircraft will be primarily through referencing instruments rather than visual reference.

VFR regulations allow pilots to fly almost anywhere, as long as they avoid controlled airspace, stay out of the clouds, and abide by cloud clearance requirements depending on which airspace they are in. VFR flights do not require a flight plan to be filed, although it is recommended. VFR pilots are responsible for maintaining separation from other aircraft and proper navigation. In the United States, any certified pilot who meets specific recency of experience criteria may operate an airworthy aircraft under VFR. VFR flights are not allowed in airspace known as Class A, regardless of the meteorological conditions, except after the failure of two-way radio communications or during declared emergencies.

VFR flying provides the freedom to fly any route and altitude, barring specific airspace limitations. Aircraft flying under IFR, for example, can be directed through Bravo airspace or even restricted airspace without specific clearance. VFR pilots must verify that restricted airspaces are not active before entering and receive specific clearance into the aforementioned Bravo airspace. VFR pilots also lose the inherent safety and traffic avoidance callouts from air traffic control when flying under VFR, even if they are receiving Flight Following, which is a little extra albeit unguaranteed help as air traffic control watches on radar.

In some cases, VFR flights intending to land at or take off from an airport experiencing localized conditions marginally below VMC minima may request Special VFR clearance from the tower. SVFR flight is only allowed while within the portion of an airport's controlled airspace (class B, C, or D) that extends to the surface, and it must be explicitly requested by the pilot and granted by the tower. Visibility on the ground must still be greater than one statute mile, but most other VMC minima such as the ceiling are waived. The pilot is required to maintain VFR separation distances from other aircraft and, by requesting SVFR, asserts that they can do so despite the marginal conditions.

VFR flights are not allowed in airspace known as Class A, regardless of the meteorological conditions

Visual flight rules (VFR) are a set of regulations that allow pilots to operate aircraft in clear weather conditions, maintaining visual contact with the ground and visually avoiding obstructions and other aircraft. VFR flights are typically conducted in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), where the pilot has sufficient visibility to navigate and maintain separation from other aircraft.

However, it is important to note that VFR flights are not permitted in certain designated airspace classes, regardless of the meteorological conditions. Specifically, VFR flight is prohibited in airspace known as Class A. This restriction applies even if the weather conditions are favourable and the pilot has adequate visual references.

Class A airspace is typically defined as the airspace above 18,000 feet up to 60,000 feet in altitude. In the United States, it begins at FL180 and extends up to FL600, as measured using an altimeter at standard pressure. Within this airspace, only instrument flight rules (IFR) operations are allowed, requiring pilots to rely primarily on instruments rather than visual references for navigation.

There are a few exceptions to the restriction on VFR flights in Class A airspace. During declared emergencies, such as severe weather avoidance, VFR traffic may be allowed to enter Class A airspace. Additionally, in rare cases, sailplanes may be granted permission to operate within designated wave windows opened by air traffic control for high-altitude flights into mountain lee waves.

It is worth noting that VFR flights are allowed in other classes of airspace, such as Class B, C, D, and E, with certain restrictions and requirements, such as maintaining specific altitudes and obtaining necessary clearances from air traffic control. These classes of airspace are typically found closer to the ground and have different regulations and requirements for VFR operations.

VFR pilots must verify restricted airspaces are not active before entering and receive specific clearance to enter Bravo airspace

Visual flight rules (VFR) are a set of regulations that allow pilots to operate aircraft in weather conditions clear enough for them to see where the aircraft is going. The weather must be better than basic VFR weather minima, i.e., in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), as specified by the relevant aviation authority. VFR flying affords the freedom of flying any route and altitude, excluding specific airspace limitations.

To receive clearance to enter Bravo airspace, VFR pilots must obtain an ATC clearance prior to entering. This is because Class B airspace surrounds the busiest airports in the country, and it is essential to carefully manage the vast traffic volumes to and from major metro areas. VFR pilots are provided sequencing and separation from other aircraft while operating within Class B airspace.

In some cases, VFR flights intending to land at or take off from an airport with marginal conditions below VMC minima may request Special VFR clearance from the tower. This is only allowed within the portion of an airport's controlled airspace (class B, C, or D) that extends to the surface, and it must be explicitly requested by the pilot and granted by the tower.

Special VFR (SVFR) operations may be authorised for aircraft operating in or transiting a Class B, C, D, or E surface area when the primary airport is reporting VFR but the pilot advises that basic VFR cannot be maintained

Visual flight rules (VFR) are a set of regulations that allow pilots to operate aircraft in weather conditions clear enough for them to see where the aircraft is going. Specifically, the weather must be better than basic VFR weather minima, i.e. in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), as specified by the relevant aviation authority. The pilot must be able to operate the aircraft with visual reference to the ground and avoid obstructions and other aircraft by sight.

Special VFR (SVFR) is a clearance given to an aircraft by ATC that allows flights in controlled airspace under VFR when weather conditions are below standard VFR minimums but above IFR thresholds. SVFR operations may be authorised for aircraft operating in or transiting a Class B, C, D, or E surface area when the primary airport is reporting VFR but the pilot advises that basic VFR cannot be maintained. This typically occurs near airports in Class B, C, D, or E airspace.

SVFR is a useful tool for pilots to continue operating under VFR in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). It is important to note that SVFR is only applicable within the terminal area (approximately 5 NM around the airfield), and operations outside of this area (usually Class E airspace) require VFR minimums to be maintained. SVFR is never a given, and pilots must request it from ATC. It is important to exercise careful risk management and discretion when using SVFR, as safety should always come first.

Pilots must adhere to specific requirements when requesting SVFR. SVFR operations are only permitted in controlled airspace below 10,000 MSL at an airport with airspace extending down to the surface. Additionally, SVFR fixed-wing aircraft must maintain 1-mile flight visibility and remain clear of clouds, and SVFR helicopters must adhere to vertical separation requirements.

VFR runways require low or medium-intensity runway edge lighting to operate safely at night

Visual flight rules (VFR) is a set of regulations that allow pilots to operate aircraft in clear weather conditions, maintaining visual contact with the ground and visually avoiding obstructions and other aircraft. VFR flights are generally conducted in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and offer pilots the freedom to fly at their preferred route and altitude, excluding specific airspace limitations.

VFR runways require careful lighting to ensure safe operations at night. All runways licensed for night use must have lighting to define the runway's extent, known as Edge Lighting, Threshold Lighting, and Runway End Lighting. The intensity of the runway lighting must be adjustable to suit varying visibility and ambient light conditions, as well as the preferences of the flight crew. While automatic adjustments based on available natural light can provide acceptable lighting intensity, pilots may request adjustments to suit their specific needs.

Runways with both approach lighting and runway lighting systems typically give precedence to the approach lighting system for air-to-ground radio control. However, runways without approach lighting can provide radio-controlled intensity adjustments of runway edge lights. These adjustments are typically made in a 3-step or 2-step process, allowing for flexibility in lighting intensity.

To ensure safety, it is recommended that VFR runways use low or medium-intensity runway edge lighting at night. This lighting aids pilots in maintaining visual contact with the runway edges and surrounding areas. The specific intensity settings may vary based on the weather conditions, aircraft size, and moisture particles in the air, which can affect forward visibility.

Additionally, taxiway edge lights are used to outline taxiways during periods of darkness or restricted visibility. These lights emit blue light and often have variable intensity settings that can be adjusted at the pilot's request or by the controller.

Frequently asked questions