Editing Instrument flight rules (section)

===Comparison to visual flight rules===
{{Main|Visual flight rules}}
It is possible and fairly straightforward, in relatively clear weather conditions, to fly an aircraft solely by reference to outside visual cues, such as the horizon to maintain orientation, nearby buildings and terrain features for navigation, and other aircraft to maintain separation. This is known as operating the aircraft under visual flight rules (VFR), and is the most common mode of operation for small aircraft. However, it is safe to fly VFR only when these outside references can be clearly seen from a sufficient distance. When flying through or above clouds, or in fog, rain, dust or similar low-level weather conditions, these references can be obscured. Thus, cloud ceiling and flight visibility are the most important variables for safe operations during all phases of flight.<ref name="NASA/CR-2000-210288"> {{cite book
 | last1 = Keel
 | first1 = Byron
 | last2 = Stancil
 | first2 = Charles
 | last3 = Eckert
 | first3 = Clifford
 | last4 = Brown
 | first4 = Susan
 | title = Aviation Weather Information Requirements Study
 | chapter = Aviation Weather Information Requirements Recommendations
 | work = Aviation Safety Program
 | publisher = NASA Langley Research Center
 | date = June 2000
 | location = Hampton, Virginia
 | pages = 40–41
 | citeseerx = 10.1.1.32.1842
 }}</ref> The minimum weather conditions for ceiling and visibility for VFR flights are defined in FAR Part 91.155, and vary depending on the type of [[airspace]] in which the aircraft is operating, and on whether the flight is conducted during daytime or nighttime. However, typical daytime VFR minimums for most airspace is 3 [[statute miles]] of flight visibility and a distance from clouds of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontally.<ref>{{cite journal
 | title = 14 CFR 91.155 &#91; Basic VFR weather minimums &#93;
 | journal = Federal Aviation Regulations
 | date = 2010-02-11
 | pages = 721–722
 | url = http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2010/janqtr/pdf/14cfr91.155.pdf
 | access-date = 2010-11-27}}</ref> Flight conditions reported as equal to or greater than these VFR minimums are referred to as [[visual meteorological conditions]] (VMC).

Any aircraft operating under VFR must have the required equipment on board, as described in FAR Part 91.205<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library%5CrgFAR.nsf/0/D97FA35A1232A3988625768F005C12DE?OpenDocument|title=FAR Part 91 Sec. 91.205 effective as of 10/20/2009|website=rgl.faa.gov|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> (which includes some instruments necessary for IFR flight). VFR pilots ''may'' use cockpit instruments as secondary aids to navigation and orientation, but are not required to; the view outside of the aircraft is the primary source for keeping the aircraft straight and level (orientation), flying to the intended destination [[pilotage|(navigation)]], and avoiding obstacles and hazards (separation).<ref name="flying_rc">{{cite journal
 | title = Getting an Instrument Rating
 | journal = [[Flying (magazine)|Flying]]
 | date = 2006-11-11
 | first = Richard
 | last = Collins
 | volume = 133
 | issue = 11
 | pages = 68
 | url = http://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-technique/instrument-flight-rules/getting-instrument-rating?page=0,0
 | access-date = 2010-11-27}}</ref>

Visual flight rules are generally simpler than instrument flight rules, and require significantly less training and practice. VFR provides a great degree of freedom, allowing pilots to go where they want, when they want, and allows them a much wider latitude in determining how they get there.<ref name="flying_lw">{{cite journal
 | title = The Basics: VFR Flight Planning
 | journal = [[Flying (magazine)|Flying]]
 | date = 2010-05-03
 | first = Lane
 | last = Wallace
 | volume = 137
 | issue = 4
 | pages = 61
 | url = http://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-technique/instrument-flight-rules/getting-instrument-rating?page=0,0
 | access-date = 2010-11-27}}</ref>