VFR Information for Pilots

The differences between flying VFR and IFR on VATSIM can sometimes keep pilots from filing for VFR. VATSIM's focus is mainly on the large commercial carriers flying high altitude IFR flights, but that doesn't mean you can't fly the low and slow. Washington ARTCC has scheduled a weekly VFR night on Thursdays to promote the GA aspect of flying.

Flight Plans

You are not required to file a flight plan for a VFR flight. However, it helps the controllers to understand what you are doing. If you want to fly the local area and not have a set destination, then just put that in your remarks.

Clearances

Clearances for VFR flight are required when in class Bravo airspace, which surrounds the busiest airports in the US, including the three Washington , DC airports. You must have a clearance to enter if you are departing or passing through class Bravo airspace. This is not like an IFR clearance that will give you routing from departure to arrival. This clearance is only applicable within the controlled airspace.

Altitudes

VFR flights are only permitted below 18,000 feet MSL. Above 18,000 is class A airspace in which no VFR flights are permitted. When filing a VFR flight plan add 500 feet to what the IFR altitude would be. If you are flying west then the IFR altitude would be an even number. Flying VFR you would add 500 to the even number altitude such as, 4500, 6500, 8500, etc.

Equipment Requirements

When flying VFR you will Squawk 1200 unless given another code by ATC. When flying in class B or C airspace you are required to have an altitude encoding transponder (Mode C capable). Using SquawkBox all transponders have mode C capability, so just make sure you have a transponder. A two way radio is also required when operating in class B or C.

Weather

Basic VFR Weather Minimums
Airspace	Flight Visibility	Distance from Clouds
Class A	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Class B	3 statute miles	Clear of Clouds
Class C	3 statute miles	500' below 1,000' above 2,000' horizontal
Class D	3 statute miles	500' below 1,000' above 2,000' horizontal
Class E Less than 10,000 feet MSL	3 statute miles	500' below 1,000' above 2,000' horizontal
Class E At or above 10,000 feet MSL	5 statute miles	1,000' below 1,000' above 1 SM horizontal
Class G 1,200 feet or less above the surface (regardless of MSL altitude).
Day, except as provided in section 91.155(b)	1 statute mile	Clear of clouds
Night, except as provided in section 91.155(b)	3 statute miles	500' below 1,000' above 2,000' horizontal
More than 1,200 feet above the surface but less than 10,000 feet MSL.
Day	1 statute mile	500' below 1,000' above 2,000' horizontal
Night	3 statute miles	500' below 1,000' above 2,000' horizontal
More than 1,200 feet above the surface and at or above 10,000 feet MSL.	5 statute miles	1,000' below 1,000' above 1 statute mile horizontal

Flight Following

Flight Following is an ATC service available in all controlled airspace. Flight Following consists of basic traffic advisories provided to VFR aircraft. These are not to be confused with clearances. It is ultimately the pilots responsibility to "see and avoid" all other aircraft.

Traffic Patterns

Traffic patterns are an established way to organize air traffic around an airport. If an airport is uncontrolled then a left hand traffic pattern (make left turns) is assumed unless otherwise noted in the Airport Facilities Directory.