VFR Aircraft/Flight – Canadian Flight Trainers

VFR aircraft (or VFR flight) is an aircraft operated or a flight conducted in accordance with Visual Flight Rules. VFR pilots navigate and maintain separation from terrain and other aircraft by visual reference outside the cockpit, without primary reliance on flight instruments.

VFR Requirements

VMC (weather at or above applicable VFR minima)
Valid pilot licence (PPL or higher)
Appropriate aircraft equipment for the conditions and airspace
Pre-flight planning including weather and NOTAM check
Flight plan or itinerary for cross-country flights

VFR vs. IFR

VFR pilots navigate visually; IFR pilots navigate primarily by instruments with ATC support. A VFR pilot in uncontrolled airspace is entirely self-reliant for navigation and separation; an IFR pilot in controlled airspace receives ATC separation from other IFR traffic.

Related Terms

See also: Visual Flight Rules, VMC, IFR.