Flight Rules

 

In this lesson, we shall go over the different flight rules.

IFR I Instrument Flight Rules

A set of regulations under which a pilot operates under conditions in which flying by outside visual reference is not safe, or flying by reference to instruments in the flight deck and navigation is accomplished by reference to electronic signals.

Requirements

  • Respect ATC clearances.
  • Adhere to flight plans.
  • Two-way communication is required.

Minimal altitudes

  • Not below level published on charts such as minimum safe altitude charts.
  • At least 1000 ft above the highest obstacle located within 8km of the estimated position of the aircraft. When no minimum flight altitudes have been established.
  • The above increased to 2000ft in mountainous areas.

Cruise levels

  • IFR flights use altitudes ending with the number 000: for example 8000ft.
  • IFR flights use levels ending with the number 0: for example FL090.

IFR are subject to semicircular rules. See the bottom.

VFR V Visual Flight Rules

A set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions is generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going. Using the VFR flight rules, the pilot must be able to operate the aircraft with visual reference to the ground, and by visually avoiding obstructions and other aircraft.

VFR flight rules are subject to the VMC minima.

Class F and G Airspace Below 3000ft

Below 3000ft at 140 knots or less, you must have in-flight forward visibility of at least 1.5KM roughly 1 mile, remain in sight of the surface and be clear of clouds. There is no minimum distance from the cloud; you can go above or below the clouds as long as you remain in sight of the surface.

Class F and G Airspace Above 3000ft

You must have a vertical separation from the clouds of 1000ft and in-flight forward visibility of 5 km 3 miles. But you no longer have to be in sight of the surface.

VFR on Top

You may fly VFR on top, which means that you can ascend through a gap in the clouds and fly above them “on top” You then however have to be able to descend through a gap, planning is very important to ensure you do not get stuck on top of the clouds. You cannot descend through the clouds whilst flying VFR.

Minimal altitudes

  • At a height less than 500ft above ground or water. Unless taking off or landing.
  • At least 1000ft above the highest obstacle within a radius of 600 m from the aircraft over the congested areas of cities, towns, villages or an open-air assembly of persons.

Cruise levels

  • VFR flights use altitudes ending with the number 500: for example 4500ft.
  • VFR flight use levels ending with the number 5: for example FL045.

IFR are subject to semicircular rules. See the bottom.

If you cannot meet the VMC criteria you cannot fly VFR, you could use a Z flight plan see below.

Air traffic control

Aircraft require clearance from ATC if operating with class C, and D airspace. And must contact AFIS or AGCS operators if online.

Y IFR changing to VFR

When using flight rule Y you indicate that you wish to at some point switch to VFR. In your flight plan include the word VFR at this point followed by the rest of your VFR flight plan.

If under ATC control you will need to contact the controller at this point and cancel your IFR clearance.

Z VFR changing to IFR

This is simply the opposite of the above, and you should use IFR in your flight at the point you wish to switch and then again if under ATC control contact the controller to get your IFR clearance.