Visual and Instrumental Flying Rules: Definitions and Differences

Pilots use visual and instrumental flying rules depending on the prevailing weather conditions during a flight. These are global benchmark rules formulated by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), and pilots of every airline must follow them in order to ensure passenger safety.

Continue reading to know more about IFR vs. VFR and their implications on the aviation sector.

The visual flying rules are applicable when pilots decide to fly an aircraft based on what they see ahead. VFR in aviation is similar to driving a car in traffic, where you adjust your movements according to what you see.

In aviation parlance, VFR means see and avoid. Pilots use this set of principles to fly an aircraft when meteorological conditions on their flying route are favourable. Usually, pilots follow VFR while flying single-engine small aircraft.

VFR is not possible when a flight is going through thick clouds. Under these rules, pilots need to have a clear vision so as to avoid a mid-air collision. When pilots are following VFR, they tend to fly below the cloud cover or take a detour to avoid the same, which is not possible when the weather conditions are not favourable.

These are another set of rules or instructions that pilots adhere to while flying in certain meteorological conditions when they do not have a clear visual. In case of IFR, pilots must use all the instruments available at their disposal in the cockpit to take off, navigate and land.

A pilot must operate as per instrument meteorological conditions if visual meteorological conditions are not satisfied or the weather is restricted during their flying hours. In the instrument flying rules, pilots can descend at a particular altitude above ground level and at a certain distance from the landing airport. The descending altitude and distance depend on the infrastructure available at the landing area, including landing instruments and artificial light on runways.

Now that you are aware of the meaning of these two sets of flying rules, let's move on to the differences between IFR and VFR.

Both these sets of rules have their own advantages and suitability. When meteorological conditions are favourable, i.e., there is clear visibility, pilots prefer visual flying rules. On the other hand, when an aircraft has to fly through turbulent weather in newer areas and long cross-country routes, instrument based flying rules are a more viable option.

As seen from our discussion, these two flying rules have their own effectiveness and importance according to different weather conditions. This detailed guide about VFR vs IFR will allow readers to get a clear idea about the two flying rules and differences between the same.