What does the term "VFR" refer to in aviation?

The term "VFR" stands for Visual Flight Rules. This set of regulations allows pilots to fly in visual meteorological conditions, which means they can navigate by visual reference to the ground and other landmarks rather than relying solely on instruments. Under VFR, pilots must maintain certain visibility and distance from clouds, enabling them to see and avoid obstacles, other aircraft, and navigate effectively using visual cues.

Understanding VFR is essential for pilots, especially those flying under conditions where they can see outside the aircraft, allowing them to make decisions based on their immediate surroundings. This differs significantly from other regulatory frameworks, which may involve flying under instrument flight rules (IFR), where pilots depend on instruments for navigation and must operate in less than optimal visibility conditions.