What does VFR stand for in aviation regulations?

VFR stands for Visual Flight Rules, which are a set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going. This is particularly important for navigation and maintaining separation from other aircraft without relying solely on instruments.

Pilots operating under VFR must maintain visual reference to the ground and other landmarks to ensure safe navigation. This is in contrast to IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), where pilots must rely on instruments due to limited visibility.

Understanding VFR is essential for unmanned aircraft operators as it helps to establish when and how they can legally operate their drones, especially in relation to visibility requirements and interaction with manned aircraft operations. This knowledge is critical for ensuring safety and compliance with aviation regulations.