← Back to Aviation Glossary
VFR (Visual Flight Rules)
A set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft by visual reference to the ground and specific visibility and cloud clearance requirements. VFR flight is the standard for private pilots and does not require an instrument rating.
Want to go beyond the definition? This term is covered in depth in AviatorPro's Private Pilot License ground school.
Learn more in Private Pilot License →Related Terms
- View-Limiting DeviceA hood, foggles, or similar device that blocks outside visual references so a pilot must fly by instruments. Instrument trainees wear a view-limiting device during most dual simulated-instrument lessons to build scan, attitude control, and approach skills.
- VisibilityThe ability to see and identify prominent objects, reported as prevailing visibility at the surface or as flight visibility from the cockpit. Low visibility appears in METARs, ATIS, AIRMETs, and PIREPs and is a primary go/no-go factor for VFR student flights.
- Vmc (Minimum Control Speed)The minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain directional control with one engine inoperative, the other at takeoff power, and specific configurations. Vmc is a critical concept in multi-engine training and marked with a red radial line on the airspeed indicator.
- VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range)A ground-based radio navigation aid that transmits VHF signals in 360 radials, allowing pilots to determine their magnetic bearing to or from the station. VORs are used for en route navigation and many instrument approach procedures.