In the airlines, pilots will always fly IFR as required by the specific regulations that pertain to their operations, as well as their company's operating procedures.
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There's no general requirement for an IFR aircraft to use airways at all, regardless of if you're using a computer to generate the route or not. They only exist to make planning easier. Of course, if clearance delivery amends your flight plan with an airway, you're required to use it.
Private pilots first learn to fly using VFR. The next step for private pilots is to start training for their instrument rating. Some commercial planes conduct their flying VFR. On short flights this can save them time and money by getting direct routing and flying any altitude they would like.
Why Do Pilots Prefer IFR Over VFR? IFR provides pilots with greater flexibility when it comes to controlled airspace, weather conditions, and career opportunities.
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.
IFR flying is astronomically more challenging than is VFR flying, but those pilots who achieve this distinction are invariably better and safer pilots, both when flying IFR and when flying VFR. Aviating under IFR, a pilot is authorized to fly into clouds in what is called zero visibility.
The FAA treats large airplanes the same as any other airplane when it comes to VFR flight. They are required to maintain the same distance from clouds, only fly with the same minimum visibility, see and avoid other aircraft, etc.
If there is any question of weather, you can (and should) retain your IFR clearance until on the ground and then cancel. However, there may be good reasons to cancel depending upon circumstances. For example somebody may be following you and cannot be cleared for the approach until you cancel your IFR clearance.
IFR training is arguably the hardest training for a new pilot. There are a lot of moving parts. Your body goes through new sensations that you don't experience in VFR, and you have a much higher workload in the cockpit. You also have a significant amount of practical knowledge to learn.
Prudent pilots typically set higher weather minimums for night VFR flights. FAR 91.157—In order to get a Special VFR clearance at night, you must have an instrument rating, an instrument-equipped airplane, 1 mile visibility, be able to remain clear of clouds, and a Special VFR clearance from air traffic control.
Aeroplanes operated under IFR shall be equipped with: (a) a means of measuring and displaying the following: (1) magnetic heading; (2) time in hours, minutes and seconds; (3) pressure altitude; (4) indicated airspeed; (5) vertical speed; (6) turn and slip; (7) attitude; (8) stabilised heading; (9) outside air ...
An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
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.