Do airlines only fly IFR?

Flight in Class A airspace requires pilots and aircraft to be instrument equipped and rated and to be operating under instrument flight rules (IFR). In many countries commercial airliners and their pilots must operate under IFR as the majority of flights enter Class A airspace.



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Airline pilots spend their entire careers operating under IFR. They don't worry about minimum visibility requirements or how close they are to clouds. With few exceptions, they never think about asking permission to enter the airspace. Once they've planned and been cleared for a route, it's pretty cut and dry.

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VFR is aviation-speak for Visual Flight Rules — flight in visual conditions — as opposed to IFR or Instrument Flight Rules — flight in weather conditions potentially less than visual. If we're talking ”airliner” then yes, it could fly VFR.

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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.

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Why Do Pilots Prefer IFR Over VFR? IFR provides pilots with greater flexibility when it comes to controlled airspace, weather conditions, and career opportunities.

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No person may operate an airplane over-the-top or at night under VFR unless that airplane is equipped with the instruments and equipment required for IFR operations under § 91.205(d) and one electric landing light for night operations. Each required instrument and item of equipment must be in operable condition.

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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 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.

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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.

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Part of the reason instrument flying is such a thrill is that it's hard, a fact that is simultaneously underrated and overrated by pilots. Underrated because really flying IFR (not just earning the rating) is probably the most challenging activity you can do these days, unless you're a heart surgeon or a Navy SEAL.

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They're not glamorous, but they're very comfortable, with padded bunks and sometimes even in-flight entertainment! With 14- to 18-hour flights no longer unusual, pilots and cabin crew have legally mandated rest times —and airlines also realise that a rested, refreshed crew member is a happy crew member.

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Many airlines provide crew rest areas on their aircraft, where pilots can sleep during long-haul flights. These areas are usually located in the tail, cargo area or above the cabin of the plane and are designed to be as quiet and comfortable as possible. Other crew members prefer to use business class seats to rest.

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However, a pilot who has an instrument rating does not only remain safe in the air but he/she is also more insurable at a lower cost. An instrument rating is a qualification a private or commercial pilot must have in order to fly under Instrument Flight Rules.

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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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Single-pilot IFR is the toughest, and busiest, job in all of flying. You have to do everything that two pilots do in corporate and airline operations. Plus, when things get really tough, you may have to deal with the added distraction of acting as cabin flight attendant for your concerned passengers.

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No person may operate an aircraft under basic VFR when the flight visibility is less, or at a distance from clouds that is less, than that prescribed for the corresponding altitude and class of airspace.

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