VFR Myths - Facts for Private Pilots

Myth #1: VFR Flying Requires Seeing the Ground

One of the most common misconceptions about VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flying is that you can only operate under VFR if you can see the ground at all times. This is simply not true. In fact, it's perfectly legal to fly VFR even when you can't see the ground, as long as you maintain the required cloud clearances and visibility.

This type of VFR flight is known as "VFR over the top." In most enroute airspace below 10,000 feet, as long as you're at least 500 feet below, 100 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontally separated from any clouds, and you have at least 3 miles of visibility, you can legally fly VFR even if the ground is obscured by a cloud layer. This is an important distinction, as many private pilots and students get tripped up on knowledge test questions about the difference between VFR over the top and VFR on top (which is an IFR clearance to operate above the clouds).

Learn more about VFR weather minimums for your checkride

Just because you can fly VFR over the top, however, doesn't mean it's always a good idea. There are some important considerations to keep in mind:

• Descending through the clouds: If you need to descend below the cloud layer, you'll need to find a hole or opening in the clouds to do so. You can't simply descend through the clouds while maintaining VFR.

• Changing cloud conditions: The cloud layer may rise up and force you to climb higher, which could burn precious fuel as you search for an area where you can descend VFR.

• Situational awareness: It's important to know the cloud coverage both in front of and behind you, so you don't get stuck on top with no way to descend safely.

So while flying VFR over the top is legally permissible, it requires careful planning and an alternate course of action in case the weather conditions change. It's not a decision to be made lightly, and should only be undertaken by experienced pilots who are confident in their ability to navigate the situation safely.

Myth #2: Departure Procedures are Only for IFR Flights

Another common myth is that departure procedures, such as Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs), are only relevant for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flights. This is not the case. Even if you're flying VFR, it's important to familiarize yourself with the departure procedures for the airport you're using, especially if there are significant obstacles or terrain in the area.

Let's take a look at an example. Suppose you're taking off from South Lake Tahoe, California at night. The weather is clear, but the airport is surrounded by mountains. By reviewing the takeoff minimums and departure procedure for Runway 18, you can ensure that you're following a route that will keep you clear of any obstacles.

The takeoff minimums and departure procedure for South Lake Tahoe can keep even VFR aircraft out of trouble.

The takeoff minimums for Runway 18 at South Lake Tahoe specify a climb gradient of at least 810 feet per nautical mile, or 765 feet per nautical mile if the weather conditions meet certain criteria (at least 1,600 feet ceilings and 3 miles of visibility). Even though you're flying VFR, you need to consult your performance charts to make sure your aircraft can meet this climb gradient requirement, especially at night when the mountains may be obscured.

The departure procedure for Runway 18 also provides important guidance, instructing you to maintain a 177-degree heading to 7,900 feet, then make a climbing right turn to intercept a specific radial. This procedure is designed to keep you clear of obstacles on takeoff, so it's crucial to follow it, even if you're flying VFR.

The lesson here is that departure procedures aren't just for IFR flights. As a VFR pilot, you should always review them and incorporate them into your flight planning, especially when operating in areas with significant terrain or obstacles. Doing so can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations and ensure a safe departure.

Myth #3: Flying Below Class B Airspace is a Good Way to Avoid Traffic

Another common myth is that you can avoid busy airspace and traffic by simply flying underneath the Class B airspace shelf. While this may seem like a logical solution, it's actually not the best approach and can often lead to more congestion and potential conflicts.

The reason for this is that air traffic control (ATC) generally prefers to keep VFR aircraft clear of the Class B airspace, as it can be challenging to coordinate the flow of both IFR and VFR traffic within the same airspace. As a result, many Class B airspaces have designated "VFR flyways" that assign specific altitudes and corridors for VFR aircraft to use when transiting the area.

For example, in the San Diego area, there is a VFR flyway that allows pilots to navigate through the Class B airspace at designated altitudes, helping to deconflict the traffic and keep everyone safe. By flying below the Class B shelf, you may actually be putting yourself in a more congested and potentially dangerous situation, as ATC may be less inclined to provide clearances or assistance.

The VFR flyways shown by the large north-south arrows allows aircraft to transition through the Bravo.

The lesson here is that it's important to familiarize yourself with the specific airspace and traffic patterns in the areas where you'll be flying. Rather than trying to avoid the Class B airspace altogether, it's often better to follow the established VFR flyways and procedures, which have been designed to enhance safety and efficiency for all airspace users.

Myth #4: Density Altitude Only Matters for Takeoffs and Landings

The final myth we'll address is the idea that density altitude is only important for making takeoff and landing calculations. While it's true that density altitude is a critical factor in determining your aircraft's performance during those phases of flight, it's also important to consider its impact on your climb performance.

Let's revisit our example from South Lake Tahoe. After calculating the takeoff and landing distances based on the density altitude, we may feel confident that the long runway is more than adequate for our Cessna 172. However, on departure, we may find that the density altitude is affecting our ability to climb at the necessary rate to clear the surrounding terrain.

In this scenario, even though we've done our due diligence in terms of runway requirements, we may still need to make turns or take other evasive actions to avoid obstacles, simply because the density altitude is impacting our climb performance. This is why it's so important to not only consider density altitude for takeoff and landing, but also for the entire departure and climb-out phase of the flight.

By understanding the effects of density altitude on your aircraft's performance, you can make more informed decisions and ensure that you have the necessary power and climb capability to safely navigate any obstacles or terrain in your departure path. This goes hand-in-hand with the importance of reviewing departure procedures, as discussed in the previous section.

Conclusion

In the world of aviation, there are many myths and misconceptions that can creep into a pilot's thinking, especially when it comes to VFR flying. By understanding the facts behind these four common myths, you can better prepare yourself for the challenges and considerations that come with operating under visual flight rules.

Remember, just because you can legally fly VFR over the top, it doesn't mean it's always the best decision. Always carefully consider the weather conditions, your aircraft's performance, and any potential obstacles or terrain in your path. Similarly, don't assume that departure procedures are only for IFR flights – review them thoroughly and incorporate them into your VFR planning to ensure a safe takeoff and climb-out.

And when it comes to navigating busy airspace, resist the temptation to try and sneak under the Class B shelf. Instead, familiarize yourself with the established VFR flyways and procedures, which have been designed to keep you safe and deconflicted from the heavy IFR traffic.

Finally, don't forget that density altitude affects more than just your takeoff and landing performance. It can also have a significant impact on your climb capability, so be sure to factor it into your entire flight planning process.

By staying informed and dispelling these common myths, you'll be better equipped to make safe and informed decisions as a VFR pilot. Remember, the more you know, the better you'll fly. Explore all our Aviation Courses and train with us at FlightInsight!