A set of aviation regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft using outside visual references rather than relying primarily on instruments. Under VFR, the pilot must maintain sufficient visibility to see terrain, obstacles, and other aircraft, ensuring safe separation without relying on ATC for navigation or avoidance.
Key characteristics:
- See-and-avoid principle: Pilots are responsible for spotting and avoiding other traffic.
- Weather minimums: Flight must be conducted in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), which require specific minimums for visibility and cloud clearance depending on airspace class.
- Navigation: Pilots may navigate by visual landmarks, dead reckoning, or GPS, rather than instrument-based systems.
- Flexibility: VFR allows more freedom than IFR, but with the responsibility placed directly on the pilot.
In the real world, VFR is the default mode of flight for most general aviation, while IFR is required for commercial operations in controlled airspace or in poor weather.
Application in DCS World
- DCS naturally lends itself to VFR flying, as most missions take place in clear conditions where cadets can navigate visually using terrain, landmarks, or mission waypoints.
- DCS does not strictly enforce VFR weather minimums or airspace rules. ATC interaction under VFR is minimal, and the simulator does not penalize pilots for flying into conditions that would be illegal in reality.
Cadets can use VFR in DCS to practice visual navigation, traffic pattern entries, and basic flight maneuvers, building strong stick-and-rudder skills before transitioning to instrument flying.