Understanding VFR Flight Planning
VFR flight planning is the term used to describe those times when a pilot will not rely solely on instruments to navigate their aircraft on their route. The aircraft will be flying under the (VFR) Visual Flight Rules which are a set of rules that come into play when a pilot may navigate an aircraft using only visual aids. In order for VFR flight planning to be used, the weather on the day of the scheduled flight must be superior in terms of visibility and stability. This type of flying is highly skilled and requires a great deal of training; flight planning is complex with many considerations to be covered. VFR flight planning is one way to ensure that VFR flights are not only cost effective but also as safe as possible. This includes the careful consideration of many factors; as pilots flying under VFR rely heavily upon their own senses and an accurate prediction of weather patterns. Flight plans pay attention to a number of things with regards to safety and the risks of collision are carefully calculated by considering the details of landscapes, weather and other air traffic. Although the weather and the behaviour of other air craft is never certain, experienced flight planners know how to calculate things extremely closely and this makes it possible to draw up very accurate flight plans. Clear conditions in daylight hours will indicate that there is no need for any instrument flight rules to be adhered to and that the flight may be undertaken using VFR flight planning. As with all forms of flight planning however, there are no guarantees; there may always be unexpected events or circumstances that cause a pilot to use on-board instruments to assist in navigation.
VFR Flight Planning and Fuel
Fuel is a big expense on all fights and so it is obviously a concern that fuel consumption is carefully controlled. The conservation of fuel supplies is a major reason for small and large airlines to take advantage of VFR flight planning services. A good flight planning service will enable pilots to work out how much fuel will be required for a particular flight and how much extra fuel will need to be carried in case of emergencies such as unexpected weather patterns. Unexpected weather conditions could force the aircraft to work harder and therefore use extra fuel. It is more economical to carry only what will be used but regulations insist that extra is carried and by working out potential delays or the likelihood of unforeseen circumstances, it is possible to keep even the extra fuel allowance to a minimum. The calculations of fuel are complex and many things are taken into consideration, for example if a craft is carrying a heavy load then the amount of fuel which is burned is greater than that of a craft with a lighter load. As an aircraft sets out on its journey, its weight will be at its heaviest due to the fuel which it is carrying already; this consideration is something that VFR flight planning must take into consideration.