VFR, IFR, and IMC definitions

VFR (Visual Flight Rules)

This means the pilot has to fly the aircraft under a certain type rules. We have to fly within certain weather minimums. Like 3 mile visibility atleat 1000 thousand foot cloud ceilings etc. Conditions have to be good enough for us to fly using our eyes, judgement and a compass basically.

IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)

This means the pilot has to fly the aircraft under another ... more limited set of rules. If conditions are below those defined in as being VFR. Then you have to fly IFR. which means we have to use our instruments, plus our eyes to fly. So we have to use about 5 more instruments. One to simulate the horizon, another to indicate direction (navigational aids) so we can more accurately navigate than just using a compass (ie GPS, VOR, ILS, LOC, NDB) .... in basic terms. Fly with ZERO visibilty.

IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions)

This isnt a term to describe a flight rule a pilot must follow. It's a term to describe the weather and what the pilot should abide to. which would be IFR.

That better Elliott?

Also... most pilots fly VFR but have to plan for IFR. All commercial jetliners fly IFR regardless because they fly above 18000 ft. Its mandatory IFR above that point becuase you can longer use ground references to navigate. You HAVE to use instruments because you dont have an accurate horizon.

Tho most commercial jetliners fly VFR when they're below 18k, even on landing, if the weather is good enough.

And most HELI pilots fly VFR regardess. Only the coast guard, corporate or search and rescue generally utilize IFR. But even then they rely heavily on VFR beacuse IFR routes are designated, and search and rescue dont fly on designated routes. They use whats called Special VFR clearance (only in controlled airspace, like over an airport with a tower)... But they wont fly if its less than VFR anyways.

The coastguard and military have onboard technologys like radar and ...name escapes me its another form a of radar las.... its called LADAR .. ya its a laser system that detects obstacles around the aircraft. these technologies and equipment allow them to fly in very low visibility and bad weather conditions. But again, majority of pilots fly VFR ... our eyes are the best equipment you can use.

VFR is the general way most pilots fly.

My training is IFR simulated. I wear a hood that blocks more than half my outside vision, and all of my peripheral. So I am limited to just seeing the instruments.