Questions tagged [visual-flight-rules]
Visual flight rules (VFR) is a set of regulations governing aircraft operations. VFR permits flying and navigating by visual reference outside the aircraft.
230
questions
0
votes
2
answers
66
views
What should I do if I have inadvertently busted class b airspace?
I was giving an introductory flight to a friend who I am trying to get interested in obtaining his pilots license. While he had the controls, I was so focused on watching and helping him that I think ...
3
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Does rain affect VFR criteria?
Does rain affect VFR criteria? In other words, if visibility is 1500m or more and you are in sight of the surface, but there is heavy rain, can you still fly VFR?
Here is an example of the conditions ...
- 12.6k
2
votes
5
answers
640
views
What's the best way to get through clouds when not instrument rated?
The obvious answer to this is... don't go into clouds.
But if you are flying among scattered or broken clouds and you go up above them, then when you reach your destination it's overcast and there is ...
- 12.6k
2
votes
1
answer
72
views
How precise is the placement of airports on VFR sectional charts?
Looking at the August 10, 2023 edition of the San Francisco VFR sectional, M45's displayed name is being changed from ALPINE CO to ALPINE COUNTY:
More ambitiously, it is apparently going to be moved ...
- 12.1k
5
votes
2
answers
193
views
Is it common for ATC to issue traffic advisories in relation to an "intersection" during VFR flight following?
I'm a student pilot working on my PPL and I just did my first solo cross country earlier today. While I was on flight following I received a call from approach that sounded like "N123 traffic 4 ...
- 137
5
votes
1
answer
358
views
Can I fly to a class D airport with an NPPL?
I wish to fly into Bristol (EGGD) in a Microlight.
I can see they have a VFR approach procedure here. Can I do this? If so, what are the prerequisites? Assuming filing a flight plan is one of them.
- 12.6k
4
votes
1
answer
305
views
Daily use of the UK airspace - VFR flights
I am considering flying to the UK this summer with a small airplane. I heard that the daily use of the airspace is somewhere published by CAA (or NATS), including the activation of Dangerous / ...
- 297
5
votes
2
answers
346
views
Which portions of class B and C airspace does CFR 91.157 (special VFR) apply to?
CFR 91.157 says that special VFR operations may be conducted below 10,000 ft MSL "within the airspace contained by the upward extension of the lateral boundaries of the controlled airspace ...
- 121
0
votes
0
answers
171
views
EASA procedures for radio/comm failure under VFR rules
Trying to find the VFR communication failure procedure in EASA, but can't find anything clear enough, maybe someone have a link for clear instructions for that procedure?
I want to figure out what ...
- 305
3
votes
3
answers
950
views
How can I check before my flight that the cloud separation requirements in VFR flight rules are met?
How can I check before my flight that the cloud separation requirements in VFR flight rules are met? As it is known, in order to fly VFR, the rules of 1000 feet vertical and 1500 meters horizontal ...
- 2,049
2
votes
2
answers
491
views
What ceiling does the FAA consider to be controlling for FAR 91.155(c)?
What ceiling does the FAA consider to be controlling for FAR 91.155(c)? The ceiling reported at the airport for which the surface-level controlled airspace is designated, or the ceiling directly ...
- 21.8k
6
votes
1
answer
663
views
Can we infer whether a given approach is visual only from the track data and the meteorological conditions?
I understand that even during IFR, the ATC can authorize visual approach to the pilots. Are there any tell-tale signs from track data (for example as on FlightRadar24) that will show the aircraft is ...
2
votes
4
answers
766
views
Is there a VFR mobile app that shows other aircraft in real time?
In the UK, are there any apps available that show a real time radar / GPS of other aircraft and ideally their callsign?
As I fly Microlights, I only fly VFR, but in a high wing and often with low ...
- 12.6k
3
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Can you switch from VFR to IFR during a flight?
Is it possible for a pilot flying under VFR to switch to IFR during a flight?
- 6,564
1
vote
1
answer
38
views
Question regarding CAR 604.38
604.38 (1) No person shall conduct a take-off in an aircraft operated by a private operator unless an operational flight data sheet has been prepared and contains the following information:
(a) the ...
- 203
0
votes
1
answer
238
views
Is there a general rule for picking a set heading point?
I'm currently working on a couple of Nav-logs. I have a leg where I have to climb from sea level to 9500'. This takes up about 26NM of horizontal distance. Is it bad practice or even wrong to pick a ...
- 203
20
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Is there a minimum density a cloud must attain before it is, legally speaking, a cloud?
I was doing a simulated tour of local untowered airfields the other day, operating VFR on VATSIM in Class B airspace (Logan).
Whenever I'm in Class B as a VFR flight I like to give ATC as boring a ...
- 3,408
0
votes
2
answers
758
views
What is the vertical separation minima between IFR and VFR?
ICAO Doc 4444, 5.3.2 says
The vertical separation minimum (VSM) shall be:
a) a nominal 300 m (1 000 ft) below FL 290 and a nominal 600 m (2 000 ft) at or above this level, except as provided for in b)...
- 71
0
votes
2
answers
273
views
Do helicopters use Ground speed or True airspeed?
Is there a limit on the speed and minimum altitude of the helicopter before switching between the two?
- 2,101
3
votes
1
answer
336
views
When was 91.155(b)(2) (night VFR cloud clearance and visibility in Class G airspace in traffic pattern) implemented?
We have all memorized the helpful triangle, but now this paragraph:
(2) Airplane, powered parachute, or weight-shift-control aircraft. If the visibility is less than 3 statute miles but not less ...
- 31
4
votes
1
answer
828
views
Are there any "VFR corridors" in the US apart from the one in San Diego?
As far as I can tell, the only VFR Corridor (see AIM 3-5-5(b)) that exists is in San Diego. Is that correct or are there others elsewhere in the US?
- 41
1
vote
2
answers
1k
views
Where can I find VFR approach charts for Italy?
Has anyone a good source of free information for VFR approach charts in Italy? I know that for major airports (e.g. LIMW), https://www.enav.it publishes the charts.
However for small airfields (e.g. ...
- 297
1
vote
1
answer
827
views
VFR through Class C to land at Class D (located within Class C)
Student pilot (US) here prepping for long solo XC. I'll be landing at a Class D airport (KSCH) within Class C airspace (KALB).
I have a few questions regarding procedure and what is appropriate for ...
- 11
2
votes
1
answer
1k
views
What is SVC CTC on a chart supplement?
The chart supplement for KSNA mentions the following
AIRSPACE: CLASS C svc ctc APP CON svc 1415–0700Z‡ other times CLASS G.
I know that SVC means service. I've gathered that KSNA is class C from ...
- 1,137
4
votes
1
answer
761
views
Is Flight Service Station the same as En Route Flight Advisory Service?
As title suggests, is "Flight Service Station" the same as "En Route Flight Advisory Service?"
In regards to VFR, I was told that if I get lost in flight and general lost ...
- 1,137
3
votes
1
answer
517
views
What exactly does "exercise extreme caution" mean when seeing alternating red and green light gun signals?
I've seen the light gun signals chart a hundred times but I don't quite understand when it says "use extreme caution" when you alternating green and red signals.
What does that mean exactly? ...
- 1,137
4
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Does endurance include the fuel reserve time?
I have been wondering if endurance time actually includes the fuel reserve time?
For example:
Total usable FOB = 84 litres
Fuel burn rate = 16 litres/hour
Aircraft's reserve fuel = 30 minutes
...
- 41
6
votes
1
answer
232
views
Does compliance with ATC instructions apply to VFR aircraft in Class G?
(U.S.) 14 CFR 91.123 (b) states:
Except in an emergency, no person may operate an aircraft contrary to an ATC instruction in an area in which air traffic control is exercised.
FAR 91.123(b) was ...
user22445
14
votes
1
answer
2k
views
VFR aircraft on a practice instrument approach—is the aircraft IFR? Do they receive separation?
A VFR aircraft contacts ATC and requests to execute a practice instrument approach (whether full-procedure or vectors-to-final). ATC issues the approach clearance, including the specific words "...
- 13.5k
4
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What airspace class is the New York Hudson/East River SFRA airspace, and what is its visibility requirements?
In general, the airspace below a Class B shelf is Class E airspace until 1200' or (more often) 700' AGL, and then Class G to the surface.
Immediately surrounding the Hudson and East Rivers in New York ...
- 517
6
votes
3
answers
450
views
Does accepting a VFR Descent cancel IFR?
After flying on an IFR clearance through a line of Thunderstorms, ATC provided me the option of a "VFR descent at own discretion". After descending and with the field in sight I requested to ...
- 1,825
2
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Why is the minimum for VFR 1000/3 while there are VFR weather minimums for every single airspace?
It seems like I have a concept error here. I don't understand why "the VFR min is 1000/3" when I think I would need to check in which airspace I am to then check for its respective weather ...
- 429
2
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Class G Airspace ceiling: 700' versus 1200'
Why does on various images, such as below, have 1200' and 700' AGL for Class G Airspace?
Why is it sometimes 1200' and other times 700' AGL?
Other than the altitude, how are the 1200' and 700' ...
- 197
1
vote
2
answers
1k
views
What does "1000ft above" mean in the context of VFR flight minimums?
There are a bunch of VFR flight minimums. My question here is the follows:
Lets say one of the minimums is '1000 feet above'. Does that mean.
A. The flight should be 1000 feet above clouds?
B. The ...
- 197
1
vote
2
answers
2k
views
Standard Size to Print a sectional chart?
What sizes does the sectional charts are sold at?
I downloaded it from here, and was able to print it on a large format printer.
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/productcatalog/...
- 197
1
vote
0
answers
272
views
Is it necessary to switch from VFR to IFR when using ILS approach?
I have flown at an airport and asked for vectors for an ILS approach in VMC for practice. But the controller refused to give me vectors and told me that I could only have a visual approach.
I got the ...
7
votes
1
answer
929
views
Can an aircraft flying VFR with a squawk code enter adjacent class C or D airspace after being handed over to the destination tower? [duplicate]
In the US, a VFR aircraft request VFR flight following and is given a squawk code after takeoff.
15nm before arriving at it's destination class D airport, the TRACON facility instructs the pilot to &...
- 173
5
votes
2
answers
978
views
When filing a VFR Flight Plan, where/how do you include intent to use a Class B transition?
When intending to use a VFR transition route through Class B airspace, do you put the intended route on the flight plan, the alternate route (if you don't get clearance for some reason), or both?
...
- 265
5
votes
4
answers
1k
views
Can I fly a practice LNAV approach with an iPad?
I'm doing training for an instrument rating, and I'm thinking I'd like to do some solo VFR cross country flying and do some practice instrument approaches. The C152 I'll be flying doesn't have a GPS ...
- 1,107
3
votes
2
answers
341
views
What are cloud clearance requirements around scuds?
I'm a private pilot (in the U.S.) and I was doing hood instrument training with my instructor under VFR. I put on the hood and we did an instrument takeoff, and I flew up to 4,500 feet to do some VOR ...
- 1,107
1
vote
4
answers
770
views
Can "Center" provide VFR flight following?
Whenever I've requested VFR flight following, I've always requested it from So Cal Approach/Departure because I'm usually flying within their reach. If I'm flying outside the reach of So Cal Approach ...
- 1,107
-2
votes
1
answer
416
views
Why is scud-running necessarily dangerous? [duplicate]
(Disclaimer: Please do not take the below as an endorsement of scud-running.)
Scud-running is when a pilot flying in poor weather operates their aircraft at a lower-than-normal height above terrain in ...
- 28.1k
0
votes
3
answers
3k
views
How is optimal Glide Path Altitude calculated?
Good day,
On a PPL checkride quite a while ago I got asked "if you are 10 miles from the airport how high should you be for a 3 degree glideslope?" Can someone run me down on how to do the ...
- 3
1
vote
2
answers
6k
views
What is the difference between Cloud Ceiling and Cloud Base?
By definition, Cloud Ceiling is the height above the ground or water of the base of the lowest layer of cloud below 6000 meters (20,000 feet) covering more than half the sky.
So does, Cloud Ceiling ...
- 609
6
votes
1
answer
413
views
Can I do a VFR night sightseeing flight in Europe?
I am an American living in the Netherlands, and I recently converted my US PPL to an EASA PPL. I have significant night flying experience in the US, but I understand that night VFR in Europe is ...
- 301
3
votes
4
answers
2k
views
How can I estimate wind speed and direction in VFR?
I am new here, I started to do VFR navigation (no G1000) so I try to deal with the wind.
I notice that I have some problems to find the wind speed and direction during flight. I am going to try to ...
- 31
1
vote
2
answers
277
views
During VMC conditions in terminal airspace (class B), does the pilots have to strictly follow separation standards issued by ATC?
Is it common for pilots to breach separation standards in terminal airspace while the conditions are VMC? I'm interested primarily in commercial aircraft that have scheduled operations in major ...
1
vote
4
answers
2k
views
How can I determine whether or not an airport has an ATIS?
Where can I find the ATIS code and frequency for an airport through a VFR chart? For example, in the case of Frankfort airport (in the attached image), I can see the AWOS frequency but I am unable to ...
- 149
7
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Where can I find the active time of a MOA on the VFR chart?
I am trying to find out the time when the HILLTOP MOA is active and its elevation. Where is this information located in a VFR chart?
- 149
1
vote
3
answers
5k
views
Is using a VOR considered IFR or VFR?
As the title mentioned.
And also, is using it in zero visibility (or near) a real life scenario?
- 127