What does the term "VFR" stand for in aviation?

The term "VFR" stands for Visual Flight Rules, which is a set of regulations under which a pilot operates the aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going. Under VFR, pilots navigate and control their aircraft by visual reference to the ground and other landmarks, rather than relying solely on instruments. This approach requires both the visibility of certain flight parameters and proper weather conditions.

In VFR conditions, pilots are responsible for observing their surroundings to maintain safe distances from other air traffic and obstacles, making awareness and visual navigation critical. This contrasts with IFR, or Instrument Flight Rules, where pilots must rely on instruments for navigation in low visibility conditions. Understanding VFR is essential for pilots, as it influences flight planning, route selection, and overall flight safety.