Are VFR flight plans mandatory?

Are VFR flight plans mandatory? VFR flight plans must be filed whenever an aircraft plans a cross-country flight and plans to operate under VFR flight rules. However, VFR flight plans are not required, only strongly recommended by the FAA, when an aircraft flies through class B airspace.

Do all pilots have to file a flight plan?

Filing a flight plan with the FAA is optional when flying VFR unless your flight takes you across the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), a Distance Early Warning Identification Zone (DEWIZ), or international airspace.

Does IFR require a flight plan?

If the weather is below VFR minimums and you plan to penetrate controlled airspace, an IFR flight plan and an ATC clearance based on that flight plan are mandatory.

Does the FAA require a flight plan?

Flight Plan Requirements All IFR flights require a flight plan submitted to an FAA facility or facilities as described in the U.S. Aeronautical Information Publication ( AIP ), Sections ENR 1.10 and ENR 1.11 and in the Aeronautical Information Manual ( AIM ), Section 5-1-6.

What is the 91.103 FAA regulation?

14 CFR § 91.103, Preflight Action directs pilots to become familiar with all available information concerning a planned flight prior to departure, including NOTAMs. Pilots may change their flight plan based on available information. Current NOTAM information may affect: Aerodromes.

Can you fly VFR at night?

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.

When can you not fly VFR?

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.

What 3 documents must a pilot have on them in order to fly?

Is VFR harder than IFR?

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.

Why do pilots prefer IFR over VFR?

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

Can a pilot refuse a passenger?

Section 44902(b) of the FAA, known as “permissive refusal,” provides pilots with broad authority to remove passengers. The pilot in command stands in the role of the air carrier and can decide whether to remove a passenger from a flight for safety reasons.

What is VFR and IFR requirements?

IFR requires a ceiling less than 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) and/or visibility of fewer than three miles. VFR requires a ceiling greater than 3,000 feet AGL and visibility that's greater than five miles.

Can a student pilot fly solo at night?

A student pilot may not operate an aircraft in solo flight at night unless that student pilot has received: (1) Flight training at night on night flying procedures that includes takeoffs, approaches, landings, and go-arounds at night at the airport where the solo flight will be conducted; (2) Navigation training at ...

How high can you fly without IFR?

Use of instrument flight rules is also required when flying in Class A airspace regardless of weather conditions. Class A airspace extends from 18,000 feet above mean sea level to flight level 600 (60,000 feet pressure altitude) above the contiguous 48 United States and overlying the waters within 12 miles thereof.