Can VFR pilots fly instrument approaches?

IFR aircraft are also provided standard separation throughout the approach and missed approach procedure. VFR aircraft practicing instrument approaches are not automatically authorized to execute the missed approach procedure. The authorization must be specifically requested by the pilot and approved by the controller.



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Let's say the weather at your airport is IFR but clear a few miles away. While the VFR-only pilot will have to wait for the weather to improve, the IFR pilot can depart on an IFR flight plan, then cancel the IFR flight plan when they are in VFR conditions.

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The benefits of operating under IFR are numerous. Often the equipment on board allows for very precise flight along a route that is more direct than the twists and turns that might be required to dodge airspace and some weather under VFR.

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This brings us to IFR (instrument flight rule) pilots. IFR flying is astronomically more challenging than VFR flying, but those pilots who achieve this distinction are invariably more equipped to fly IFR and VFR. Aviating under IFR, a pilot is authorized to fly into clouds in what is called zero visibility.

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In theory, a pilot can operate in sub-VMC conditions under IFR without an ATC clearance in Class G airspace. However, to enter or operate in controlled airspace under IFR, an ATC clearance is required.

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Therefore, a pilot may file an IFR flight plan to an airpo1t without an instrument approach procedure, and that flight plan must include th. e information as required by§ 91.169(a)(l) & (2).

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The most common example of needing to use instruments is flying through clouds or IMC conditions. IMC, or Instrument Meteorological conditions, is weather that require the use of instruments, typically cloudy or low visibility. That means pilots using IFR clearances can fly without ever seeing the ground.

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IFR flying provides certain protections which are not readily available to those flying under VFR. Even if you never fly into a cloud, having an IFR-equipped airplane and pilot will make for a safer and confident journey. Flying through and above the clouds provides for safer travels.

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The data suggest that there is a 204% higher risk during the approach and landing phase of VFR flights, than during similar IFR operations (14.82 vs. 7.27 accidents/100,000 approaches).

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The airline transport pilot (ATP) is the most advanced pilot certificate one can obtain, and it's necessary for those who want to fly commercial airliners for a living. All commercial airlines now require a pilot applicant to have an ATP certificate.

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Once you get your private pilot certificate, you are qualified to fly under visual flight rules (VFR). Under VFR, you can navigate using visual references outside the aircraft, such as landmarks on the ground and the horizon. There are also distances from clouds you must maintain and visibility requirements as well.

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In the US, there are specific VFR cruising altitudes, based on the aircraft's course, to assist pilots in separating their aircraft while operating under visual flight above 3,000 ft above the surface (AGL) but below 18,000 ft Mean Sea Level (MSL).

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