VFR Flight Planning and The Basics
VFR flight planning is the name given to the form of planning undertaken for flights in which the pilot will adhere to the set of regulations known as Visual Flight Regulations (VFR); VFR flights are undertaken when the pilot can use his or her own senses to guide the aircraft during its take-off, landing and journey. In order for a flight to take off under VFR, there must be certain criteria met for this to be a safe option. Weather conditions must meet specific requirements before a VFR flight is allowed to occur and pilots should be able to clearly see from the cockpit in order to navigate safely.
VFR Flight Planning and Controlled Airspace
All airspace is separated into controlled and uncontrolled areas. Air Traffic Control manages the airspace by separating VFR aircraft from other craft whilst in controlled airspace. Usually Air Traffic Control only needs to provide help to IFR craft in controlled airspace but will where possible assist VFR craft if the assistance is asked for and if the airways are not too busy. VFR flight planning can allow for the successful arrangement of flight space ahead of time and this will always aid in the completion of safe flights.
VFR Flight Planning and Technology
As VFR flight planning has developed along with the technology which now makes it even safer for all concerned, so the process of arranging and scheduling flights has become a much simpler operation all round. Computer aided VFR flight planning removes much of the brainwork which used to be involved in the process; sophisticated computer programmes can now calculate risks and predict weather patterns and air traffic well in advance of any flight. This has made the business of commercial flight much safer, faster and simpler than ever before in the history of commercial airlines. As our technological knowledge improves and advances it is accepted that all flight planning will become even simpler as will the general management of aircraft and airlines. Improved communication has gone a long way towards making the safe air travel we all enjoy, possible.
VFR Flight Planning Overview
An aircraft which is flying under VFR flight planning is generally simpler to fly than an aircraft which is flying under IFR. This is because in order to qualify to fly under IFR, a pilot needs to be tested in certain criteria first. IFR flights require that the pilot has undergone training in specific flight circumstances which will limit their viewing power so that they are prepared for every situation; they also need to regularly use their IFR skills in order to retain their right to do so at all. In short, a pilot flying any aircraft will of course have undergone extremely intensive training, but a pilot flying under special weather conditions will have undergone even more rigorous preparation before being allowed to continue on any journey. It is this knowledge which makes the general public feel comfortable with flying on commercial airlines.