Aviation 7: VFR vs IFR

This essay analyzes the differences between Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in aviation. It begins by introducing VFR, used in clear weather conditions where pilots rely on visual references, and IFR, employed in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) where pilots navigate using instruments. The essay then details the key distinctions between VFR and IFR, including training requirements, flight planning, air traffic control involvement, and pilot workload. A significant portion focuses on the challenges of IFR, particularly the increased workload associated with managing instruments, communicating with air traffic control, and navigating in IMC. The impact of GPS and radio navigation on IFR workload is also discussed. The conclusion summarizes the key differences and emphasizes the importance of pilot proficiency and decision-making in selecting the appropriate flight rules based on weather conditions and flight circumstances. The essay concludes by highlighting the additional workload associated with IFR and the potential need for a co-pilot in challenging weather conditions.

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Abstract
Aviation is amongst the safest way of transportation. Flying is done under either of two
sets of rules that include Visual Flight Rules (VFR) being the first set of rules, and Instrument
Flight Rules (IFR), being the second set of rules. A pilot is bound by either of the rules when
flying an aircraft which are provided by a country’s civil aviation authority under the guidelines
of (ICAO) International Civil Aviation Organization. The rules guide and direct the pilots when
on air. VFR is commonly used by private pilots with no special training on IFR. However,
according to studies and with respect to future advancement as regards VFR, it may be difficult
to use VFR on grass runways and if applied, will be subjected to severe restrictions and
limitations. In respect to the continued traffic growth, it is imagined that VFR and IFR traffic
may be limited making it harder to use VFR for grass runways and the other IFR for concrete
runway. Studies reveal that more of IFR will be needed in future to maintain separation which
may not be possible due to bad weather conditions when using VFR.
This paper highlights the differences of the rules and further outlines challenges faced by
IFR particularly on the workload when flying.

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Introduction
Visual Flight Rules are used to protect pilots without instruments in the aircraft from
accidents, flying too high or under unclear weather conditions (Bergqvist 2016). The rules are
used when there are no clouds obstructing the aircraft thus; the pilot spends most of the time
looking outside the aircraft therefore controlling the aircraft using visual aid or references and
not instruments. It is common for VFR to be applied by private pilots when flying in clear and
visible weather conditions. Instrument Flight Rules on the other hand (IFR) are commonly used
by pilots in unclear weather conditions and require the aid of instruments to control the aircraft
when flying. Pilots can use the IFR without any visual assistance or reference (Taylor 2007). A
pilot flying under VFR may choose the path he wishes. It may be an easy straight line from the
point of start to the ending point or destination and under Visual Metrological Conditions. When
a pilot cannot meet the Visual Metrological Conditions under the VFR, a pilot with good skills
will be sought to fly using IFR equipped airplane. Theoretically, a flight can be performed
without any visibility from the beginning to the end of the flight by using IFR.
VFR governs aircrafts in visual metrological conditions while IFR governs aircrafts in
instrument metrological conditions. Unlike VFR, IFR requires higher level of training and
understanding of the rules and procedures (Robson 2010). The pilot is more refined in skill in
Instrument Flight Rules Visual Flight Rules. The procedure used in IFR is purely controlled by
flight instruments where the pilot is directed by air traffic control to fly from one destination to
another and land safely (Pearson 2003). The pilot controlling aircraft by VFR does not need
traffic control to direct him. He simply uses his eyes to control the plane’s position in reference
to the horizon. The pilot lands safely by VFR and the instruments are only used as backup.

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Differences of VFR and IFR
The pilot manning the aircraft under the Visual Flight Rules needs to have good visibility
to enable him to go into the fog or clouds. He will also require minimal apparatus in the aircraft
unlike IFR where he will be required to use instruments to enable him operate under bad weather
conditions (Mccoll 2006). The pilot using Visual Flight Rules does not need specialized
training, he only needs basic training to enable him fly the aircraft. Neither does he need
supervision when manning the aircraft which is needed under IFR from the air traffic control.
The pilot under VFR may choose to have a flight plan which in most cases is optional and is only
used when the pilot goes missing.
Instrument Flight Rules require an air traffic controller to maintain the separation of an
aircraft from others. A thorough flight plan must be prepared in advance and used by the air
traffic controller throughout the flight while keeping in contact with the radio. The pilot will
receive a squawk code when handing over from one air traffic controller to another while giving
information on what course and level to fly. The pilot needs IFR ratings that require some
training and must meet the standards for IFR before handling any flight.
Challenges of IFR
When using the Instrument Flight Rules under the instrument meteorological conditions,
the pilot must maintain a certain level of flight. The pilot must continually examine and scan the
flight instruments and continue to make adjustments to maintain the flight level (Collins 2010).
This situation becomes harder when the weather conditions are unclear and rough whereby the
aircraft can bounce up and down making it challenging to maintain the flight level. Instrument

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Flight Rules, require that the pilot is assisted by a copilot in most cases. In the absence of a
copilot, the task becomes more demanding and difficult (Australia 2013).
Another challenge when using the Instrument Flight Rules is when the pilot has to keep
communicating with air traffic control. The reason for this contact is because the pilot is unable
to see outside window due to the rough weather conditions and therefore, relies on the air traffic
control to assist the pilot keep away from the traffic that may be existent in the cloudy skies
(Aarons 2013). As a result, it could turn out to be a burden to one pilot who has to manage the
communication with the air traffic control and operation of the instruments. However, when
there are two pilots in the cockpit, one may be scanning for traffic while the other pilot can focus
on flying the aircraft.
Navigating will also add to the pilot’s work load when flying in the clouds. The arrival of
GPS has assisted pilots to navigate in the clouds reducing the work load needed to navigate using
ground visual landmarks (Bergqvist 2016). However, when the GPS is unavailable, pilots prefer
to use radio kind of navigation. This navigation requires using airways and radio beacons to
navigate. The pilot may have a difficult time and additional work load when operating the radio
alone. However, in multi-cockpit crew, the co-pilot can assist to track the airways. Radio based
navigation is often used to flying approaches in which radio beacons are used. These radio
beacons are more delicate in the instrument landing systems that require sustaining more
accuracy on the glide path adding more work load to the pilot (Domogala, 2005).
Conclusion
Flying requires a set of rules to assist the pilot to operate the aircraft while on air. VFR
and IFR rules assist the pilot to fly and land safely on the ground. In VFR flying, visual
references assist a pilot to see the horizon and ground in order to maintain a straightforward

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flight level. At the same time, the pilot will require ground references to help him in navigation
and avoidance of terrain. In IFR flying, the pilot depends on flight instruments to indicate
altitude, position, attitude and any other information that may be relevant. It is crucial for the
pilot to acquire the necessary skills (instrument rating) as he will require to fly by use of
instruments only with very little or no aid of visual instruments.
Apart from the specialized skill that the pilot will require to fly using the IFR, he will also
require manpower through air traffic control that will direct him to land safely. The pilot under
IFR, has additional workload because he has to man both the aircraft and the air traffic by use of
six instruments that require frequent scans from the pilot. As IFR governs aircrafts in IMC, the
pilot will require to be vigilante in attention and accuracy to enable him fly carefully.
Pilots need proficiency in making decisions that determine the weather because VFR may
be used in clear weather conditions that do not require the aid of instruments. IFR may be used in
unclear and rough weather conditions. A flight may be necessary under VFR especially when the
pilot goes missing. A co-pilot may be necessary in IFR to assist pilot with the instruments in the
rough weather conditions.

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References List
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AUSTRALIA. (2013). International Fleet Review: Sydney, Australia, 3-11 October 2013.
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COLLINS, R. L. (2010). VFR communications. Batavia, Ohio, Sporty's Academy.
DOMOGALA, P. (2005). General aviation in Australia: the VFR pilots. Controller. 44, 14-15.
MCCOLL, K. B. (2006). Aviation meteorology unscrambled: for vfr and ifr operations
certificates and ratings. [Place of publication not identified], Mccool.
OATMEDIA INTERACTIVE LEARNING, & OXFORD AVIATION TRAINING.
(2008). Communications: VFR communications, IFR communications. Shoreham,
Transair (UK) Ltd.
PEARSON, D. C. (2003). "VFR Flight Not Recommended": a study of weather-related fatal
aviation accidents (1995-2000). FAA Aviation News. 42, 11-17.
ROBSON, D., WADDELL, M., & BUTTNER, H. (2010). Flight radio for pilots: VFR
operations. Huntingdale, Vic, Aviation Theory Centre.
TAYLOR, R. L. (2007). IFR for VFR pilots: an exercise in survival. Newcastle, Wash, Aviation
Supplies & Academic, Inc.