When it's all happening outside the cockpit...
OBJECTIVES:
- To tell you more about Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
- Its purpose and how to apply them
Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
Depending the level of flight and the airspace Class, VFR flights shall be flown in minimum Flight Visibility and distance from clouds as specified below.
These conditions are known as the Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
Check the local Division website for more detailed information about the country or the area you plan to fly in.
At and above 10.000 ft AMSL (or FL 100 if TA is lower)
In ALL airspace classes:
AND
screenshot showing VFR flight at 10.500 ft with a flight visibility of 8 km
Below 10.000 ft AMSL (or FL100 if TA is lower) and above 3000 ft AMSL*
* above 1000 ft above terrain if this is higher than 3000 ft AMSL.
In ALL airspace classes:
AND
screenshot showing VFR flight at 9500 ft with a flight visibility of 5 km
At and below 3000 ft AMSL*
* at or below 1000 ft above terrain if this is higher than 3000 ft AMSL.
In airspace classes B - C - D - E:
AND
Note: these minima do not apply when cleared to operate as Special VFR in a CTR.
screenshot showing VFR flight at 1500 ft with a flight visibility of 5 km
In airspace classes F - G:
AND
** Flight Visibilities down to 1500 m may be allowed for flights operating in certain circumstances (at slow speed or with few traffic around). HELICOPTERS may operate in less than 1500 m flight visibility.
screenshot showing Special VFR flight at 1500 ft with a flight visibility of 1500 m
Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
Flying in accordance with Visual Flight Rules (VFR) means you have to respect a number of points. These are:
a) VFR in controlled airspace
VFR flights are not permitted in class A airspace.
In order to enter or to fly into a controlled airspace, the pilot needs to:
- establish radio contact with the control unit (say TeamSpeak or text mode)
- receive a clearance from ATC
b) Day or night
VFR flights between sunset and sunrise (evening and night) are not always allowed. Some Countries prescribed special conditions to allow VFR night flying.
c) Minimum and maximum altitudes and speeds
Except when landing or during take-off, VFR flights are to be flown :
- at least 1.000 ft above any obstacle within 600 m of the aircraft when overflying:
- cities
- towns
- settlements or
- an open-air assembly of people
- at least 500 ft above ground or water elsewhere
Note: other minima exist for helicopters.
VFR flights shall NOT be flown:
- at transonic and supersonic speeds
Note: Check speed restrictions for military jets
d) Cruising Altitudes and Flight Levels:
VFR flights in level cruising flight, when operated above 3.000 ft AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level), shall fly at a level according to the track as specified in the semi-circular cruising system in use.
Note: the word "level" is used for either "altitude" or "flight level"
For further details on the semi-circular cruising system, see the Chapter about "Cruising Levels".
VFR Levels end by 5. (See table here under)
Check the Division webpage of the Country you plan to fly in for maximum VFR altitude.
e) Speed restriction
The indicated airspeed is limited to 250 KIAS below 10.000 ft AMSL or FL 100. When approved by ATC, higher speeds can be accepted.
| On VATSim, it has been agreed that as a general rule, Military fighter and Military fast-jet aircraft may fly up to 350 kt IAS (Indicated Air Speed) below 10.000 ft / FL100 in both controlled and uncontrolled airspaces. Check the Division website of the country in which you want to operate if any difference to this rule applies. |
f) Flight Plan
In VATSim a flightplan has to be filed at the beginning of each flight. A VFR flight as well!!
This is merely a system/network requirement, but still a necessity. For more details see the Chapter about "Flightplan"
When flying VFR in the traffic circuit only (touch & go training), a FPL indicating a single point in the route is sufficient. This could be the location indicator of the airfield itself or a navigation point nearby.
When flying VFR outside of the traffic circuit, a FPL should contain en-route visual reference points or navigation aids to show the pilot intentions.
This is quite easy to do, doesn't take more than 30 seconds. It is quite useful for the controllers or even for other pilots browsing the online pilots page in uncontrolled airspace on UNICOM.
g) ATC clearances for VFR flights
A flightplan has to be filed to receive ATC clearances.
In A class airspaces, VFR is not permitted. No clearance to VFR flight shall be given to operate in such airspace.
VFR flights require an ATC clearance before:
- flying in Class B, C or D airspace
- entering a traffic circuit at a controlled aerodrome
In Class E, F and G airspaces, VFR flights are not controlled. No radio contact nor ATC clearance is required in real life. Yet on VATSim, if no Flight Information Center (FSS) is online, always contact ATC who is controlling the airspace above you and report your intentions. A Flightplan is also required.
Note: for further details on Air Traffic Services, like FSS, see chapter Air Traffic Services.
When flying to a controlled aerodrome, a VFR flight is required to contact ATC and to obtain a clearance before entering.
h) Change from VFR to IFR
The pilot must inform ATC and request a clearance to continue his flight according IFR.
i) Aircraft flying VFR
Most of the time, light general aviation aircraft (C182, PA28, DR40...) are flown VFR. They often remain at low altitude (below 10.000 ft MSL).
Military low level training is also carried out VFR (or a military equivalent with specific rules as Operational Air Traffic (OAT)).