Understanding VFR and IFR flying

Part of the Video Series How to Fly an Airplane

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Learn about the two different types of flying, VFR or Visual Flight Rules, and IFR or Instrument Flight Rules in this free video.

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Understanding VFR and IFR flying
Dave Pressy with St. Charles flying service on behalf of Expert Village. We'll talk about the two different types of flying, VFR and IFR. Most private pilots fly under VFR, or visual flight rules. This implies that the flight will take place with good visibility and away from any clouds. When flying in these conditions, a pilot spends eighty to ninety percent of their time looking outside the aircraft, thus controlling the flight using only visual references. The instruments are their just as a back up. This allows the pilot to see and avoid other traffic. Much time is spent in training on controlling the airplane simply by using your eyes and the airplane's position in relation to the horizon and ground reference points. Pilots flying under VFR can fly along with the need to be directed by air traffic control. This is the most common type of flight for a private pilot. IFR, or instrument flight rules, is flying only with reference to instruments. This type of flying requires a higher level of training, a thorough study and understanding of the regulations and procedures and more refined piloting skills. Pilots use navigation radios in the aircraft, along with ground facilities, including air traffic control to fly from one point to another and execute an instrument approach, a procedure designed for the airplane to arrive safely at a destination, using only instruments.

About the Expert

Expert: Dave Pressy has been a flight instructor in the St. Louis Area for over four years, and a pilot for more than seven years. He has accumulated nearly 1200 hours of flight time. Read More