What You Need to Know About VFR Flying
VFR flying or visual flight rules flying refers to a classification of flight which is regulated by a set of aviation rules, whereby the flier is only allowed to fly under adequate weather conditions, whereby the flier is liable to keep a safe distance from physical obstructions like air crafts, edifices and terrains, whereby the flier is allowed to control and navigate his air craft's altitude independent of a traffic control, and whereby flying is visually referenced to the outside environment of the cockpit. VFR flying in short is flying at the pilot's risk.
VFR flying is virtually and only made safe using a principle called "see and avoid". The pilots are held responsible for their flight's altitude and route. Thus, VFR pilots receive only limited assistance by an air traffic control. And navigating away from other non-VFR and VFR air crafts are visually made only by the pilot himself. An air space classification of G is typically intended for VFR flights. When flying, however, on B and C air space classifications, VFR flights are obliged to install transponders.
Each territory has its own governing body for regulating VFR flying. These rules include specifics for altitude, cloud distance, least visibility and other flying requirements. For instance, VFR flights must maintain a certain altitude so that it can be seen from a relative distance by other air crafts.
In addition to the above mentioned rulings, VFR flights are separated from the other flights especially when flying in a Class B air space. The ATC or air traffic control is responsible for this separation. But for flights outside of the Class B air space, the air traffic control can only separate IFR flying air crafts. It is also possible to gain assistance from air traffic control when in VFR flying. If flying outside Class B air space, a VFR pilot may request for traffic following provided that the workload is allowed.
In the United States particularly, air crafts flying in visual flight rules cannot operate on a Class A air space even if the weather conditions may permit the flight. The Class A air space starts at 18,000 ft extending until a safe altitude considered as near space. But certainly any one who is a certificated flier with sufficient and compliant air flight hours can fly an air craft under the VFR rules. Just make it a point that you follow the rules set your area's VFR flying agency.
