Final answer:
When operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), an aircraft must be flown with the pilot maintaining visual reference to the ground and by visually avoiding obstructions and other aircraft. Visibility requirements, distance from clouds, separation rules, and navigating using ground landmarks are key aspects of VFR operations. These conditions vary by altitude, time, airspace, and geography, emphasizing the importance of a pilot's understanding of VFR.
Step-by-step explanation:
When operating in accordance with VFR (Visual Flight Rules), the aircraft shall be flown with respect to specific rules that are designed for visual meteorological conditions (VMC). VFR is a set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going. The basic premise of VFR flight is that the pilot must be able to operate the aircraft with visual reference to the ground, and by visually avoiding obstructions and other aircraft.
Visibility requirements, distance from clouds, and vertical/horizontal separation rules are important components of VFR. For example, in most countries, during daylight hours, an aircraft must typically remain clear of clouds by at least 500 feet vertically and 1,000 feet horizontally. At night, these clearances are generally increased. Moreover, the pilot must be able to maintain visual reference to the ground and navigate by using ground landmarks in addition to aeronautical charts.
Pilots are responsible for seeing and avoiding other aircraft under VFR and must also maintain communication with air traffic control in controlled airspace, as required. VFR conditions and requirements can vary depending on altitude, the time of day, airspace classification, and geography, making it imperative for pilots to be well versed in these rules before and during flight.