Visual flight rules
Learning objectives
- State the VMC flight visibility and distance from cloud minima, and identify which altitude band applies over any terrain.
- Explain the rules for VFR at an aerodrome in a control zone and the conditions for special VFR.
- State the conditions for VFR at night and the levels above which VFR may not be flown.
- Identify the correct VFR cruising level and the VFR minimum heights for a given flight.
The idea
Flying by sight only works if you can see: far enough ahead to avoid another aircraft or an obstacle in time, far enough from cloud that nobody pops out of it in front of you, and the ground, so you know where you are. The visual flight rules turn that common sense into numbers: how far you need to see, how far to stay from cloud, how low you may fly, and which levels to cruise at so that traffic going the other way is kept apart.
VFR and VMC: rules versus weather
VFR, the visual flight rules, is a set of rules; a VFR flight is any flight flown under them. VMC, visual meteorological conditions, describes the weather: visibility, distance from cloud and ceiling at or better than the minima. IMC, instrument meteorological conditions, is weather worse than those minima. One rule links them: a VFR flight stays in VMC, which EASA guidance calls "axiomatic". The only exception is special VFR.
Except when operating as a special VFR flight, a VFR flight is flown in flight visibility and distance from cloud at least equal to the VMC minima.
Flight visibility is what you see looking forward from the cockpit in flight. Ground visibility is the visibility at an aerodrome, reported by an accredited observer or an automatic system. The ceiling is the height above ground or water of the base of the lowest cloud layer below 20 000 ft (6 000 m) covering more than half the sky. General definitions are taught on page 010-05-01. In the EU these rules are SERA, the Standardised European Rules of the Air, which transpose the ICAO rules of the air into EU law.
The VMC minima
All VMC minima sit in one table, organised by altitude band and airspace class.
The top band is at and above 10 000 ft (3 050 m) above mean sea level (AMSL). You need 8 km flight visibility and stay 1 500 m horizontally and 1 000 ft (300 m) vertically from cloud, in every class.
The middle band is below 10 000 ft AMSL but above the low band: 5 km flight visibility, with the same 1 500 m and 1 000 ft from cloud.
The low band is at and below 3 000 ft (900 m) AMSL or 1 000 ft (300 m) above terrain, whichever is higher. Over low ground its top is 3 000 ft AMSL. Over terrain higher than 2 000 ft, it is terrain elevation plus 1 000 ft, so the band rises with the ground: over a 2 600 ft plateau it reaches 3 600 ft AMSL. In Classes B to E, the low-band minima match the middle band: 5 km, 1 500 m and 1 000 ft.
In Classes F and G, the low band is different. Flight visibility is still 5 km, but instead of a fixed distance from cloud you stay clear of cloud and with the surface in sight.
Describe this figure
A side view runs from the sea on the left to a high plateau on the right, with three altitude bands stacked above. At and above 10 000 ft AMSL, or FL 100 when the transition altitude is lower, the minima are 8 km flight visibility and 1 500 m horizontally and 1 000 ft vertically from cloud. Below that, down to the top of the low band, the visibility is 5 km with the same distances from cloud. The top of the low band is a dotted line at 3 000 ft AMSL over the sea and low ground, and it rises to 1 000 ft above the terrain over the plateau, because the higher of the two values applies. In the low band, Classes B to E keep 5 km and the 1 500 m and 1 000 ft distances, while Classes F and G need 5 km, clear of cloud and the surface in sight. A note says that VFR is not permitted in Class A.
The diagram is a cross-section over rising terrain: the low-band top is flat at 3 000 ft over low ground, then lifts to stay 1 000 ft above the hill; each band shows its distance from cloud, and an inset for Classes F and G reads "clear of cloud, surface in sight".
| Altitude band | Airspace classes | Flight visibility | Distance from cloud | Night (SERA.5005(c)) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At and above 10 000 ft (3 050 m) AMSL | A (guidance only), B, C, D, E, F, G | 8 km | 1 500 m horizontally; 1 000 ft (300 m) vertically | Same values |
| Below 10 000 ft AMSL and above the low-band top | A (guidance only), B, C, D, E, F, G | 5 km | 1 500 m horizontally; 1 000 ft (300 m) vertically | Same values |
| At and below the low-band top: 3 000 ft (900 m) AMSL or 1 000 ft (300 m) above terrain, whichever is higher | A (guidance only), B, C, D, E | 5 km | 1 500 m horizontally; 1 000 ft (300 m) vertically | Same values, and continuous sight of the surface |
| F, G | 5 km, or not less than 1 500 m where the competent authority prescribes it (140 kt IAS or less, or where other traffic is unlikely) | Clear of cloud and with the surface in sight | 5 km, no reduction; clear of cloud and continuous sight of the surface | |
| FL 100 replaces 10 000 ft when the transition altitude is lower than 10 000 ft. Class A values are guidance for pilots only: VFR is not permitted in Class A. Helicopters have different values. At night (only where the competent authority permits night VFR), every band also needs a reported aerodrome ceiling of at least 1 500 ft (450 m), and the competent authority may set higher minima in mountainous areas. | ||||
Describe this figure
The table has one row per altitude band, and the low band has two rows: Classes B to E, and Classes F and G. At and above 10 000 ft AMSL the flight visibility is 8 km; below that it is 5 km. The distance from cloud is 1 500 m horizontally and 1 000 ft vertically, except for Classes F and G in the low band, which need clear of cloud and the surface in sight. Where the competent authority prescribes it, Classes F and G in the low band may use not less than 1 500 m at 140 kt IAS or less, or where other traffic is unlikely; this reduction never applies at night. At night every band also needs a reported aerodrome ceiling of at least 1 500 ft, and in the low band the pilot must keep continuous sight of the surface. The notes add that FL 100 replaces 10 000 ft when the transition altitude is lower, that the Class A values are guidance only, and that helicopters have different values.
The table restates the VMC minima table in our own layout, with a column for the night changes.
Describe this figure
Without JavaScript, the figure is a summary in four rows: in Class A, VFR is not permitted; at or above 10 000 ft AMSL, 8 km visibility and 1 500 m horizontally and 1 000 ft vertically from cloud; below that and above the low-band top, 5 km with the same distances. At or below the low-band top, Classes B to E need 5 km with the same distances, and Classes F and G need 5 km, clear of cloud and the surface in sight. With JavaScript, you enter the airspace class, altitude, terrain, day or night, airspeed, the weather you see and your distance from cloud. The widget highlights your band, lists the minima that apply and says VMC, not VMC or VFR not permitted, with the first condition that fails and its SERA reference. It also lists other rules that apply, such as the 250 kt limit, the clearance needed in Classes B to D, and the VFR cruising levels.
Try the "Am I VMC?" widget: enter your situation and it tells you your band and whether you meet the minima.
The notes under the table
First, when the transition altitude is lower than 10 000 ft, FL 100 replaces 10 000 ft as the top boundary. Transition altitude is taught on page 050-01-06.
Second, Class A appears in the table, but its values are guidance only: Class A is IFR only.
Third, the competent authority may lower the Class F and G low-band flight visibility. Where the competent authority so prescribes, it may be reduced to not less than 1 500 m, for flights at 140 kt indicated airspeed (IAS) or less, or where other traffic is normally unlikely.
Why 140 kt? At 140 kt you cover about 72 metres per second, so 1 500 m of flight visibility gives you about 21 seconds to see and avoid, and 5 km about 69 seconds. In the cockpit: 1 500 m is about 0.8 NM, 5 km about 2.7 NM, 8 km about 4.3 NM.
VFR at aerodromes: the weather gate
A control zone (CTR) is controlled airspace starting at the surface. Class E may not be used for CTRs, so they are Class A to D, and VFR in them needs an ATC clearance and two-way radio. Classes are taught on page 010-07-01.
Without an ATC clearance, a VFR flight does not take off or land at an aerodrome within a control zone, and does not enter the aerodrome traffic zone or traffic circuit of any aerodrome, controlled or not, when the reported ceiling there is below 1 500 ft (450 m) or the ground visibility below 5 km.
These are reported aerodrome values, not what you see from the cockpit; with a clearance, such as special VFR, ATC may let you proceed below them.
VFR at night
Under SERA, night runs between evening and morning civil twilight, defined by the centre of the sun's disc 6° below the horizon.
Night VFR is optional: it is allowed only where the competent authority has prescribed it, usually published in the general part of the AIP.
Where the competent authority permits VFR at night:
- leaving the vicinity of an aerodrome, you file a flight plan;
- you keep two-way radio contact on the appropriate ATS channel, where one is available;
- the VMC minima apply, but the reported aerodrome ceiling is not less than 1 500 ft (450 m), the options to reduce flight visibility do not apply, and in Classes B to G in the low band you keep continuous sight of the surface;
- the competent authority may set higher minima for mountainous areas.
Except for take-off and landing, or with specific authorisation, a night VFR flight does not fly below the State's published minimum flight altitude. Where none exists: at least 2 000 ft (600 m) above the highest obstacle within 8 km of the estimated position over high terrain or mountainous areas, and at least 1 000 ft (300 m) elsewhere.
Above the low band, continuous sight of the surface is not required, so you may choose "VFR on top" of a layer.
Before going VFR on top at night, weigh: a visual descent at destination; light above and below the layer; the base lowering if you fly underneath instead; converging layers trapping you; turning back to where the surface is visible; and fixing your position en route.
Your licence also needs a night rating; see page 010-04-01. Flight plans are taught on page 030-11-01.
The aeroplane needs the equipment and approval for night VFR given in its POH/AFM. Check your aircraft's POH/AFM before flight.
Where VFR may not fly
No VFR at transonic or supersonic speed unless the competent authority authorises it. No VFR above FL 195, except in an airspace reservation where a State allows it, or up to and including FL 285 when the ATS unit authorises it under procedures published in the AIP.
VFR above FL 285 is not authorised where 1 000 ft (300 m) vertical separation is applied above FL 290.
VFR minimum heights
The general rule on page 010-05-02 asks you, over congested areas, to stay high enough for an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons on the ground; the VFR rules give the numbers.
Except when needed for take-off or landing, or with permission from the competent authority:
- over congested areas of cities, towns or settlements, or an open-air assembly of persons: not below 1 000 ft (300 m) above the highest obstacle within 600 m of the aircraft;
- elsewhere: not below 500 ft (150 m) above the ground or water, or 500 ft above the highest obstacle within 150 m of the aircraft.
Describe this figure
The figure has two side views. On the left, an aeroplane flies over a town. Dashed lines mark a horizontal radius of 600 m around it, and a dimension shows that it is at least 1 000 ft above the highest obstacle within that radius, here a tall building with an antenna. On the right, away from towns, a dashed radius of 150 m surrounds the aeroplane, and a dimension shows that it is at least 500 ft above the highest obstacle within it, a mast. Where there is no obstacle, the 500 ft is measured from the ground or water. A note says that the exceptions are take-off and landing, or permission from the competent authority.
The side view shows both cases: over a town, a 600 m radius around the aircraft and a height of 1 000 ft above the tallest building inside it; over open country, a 150 m bubble and 500 ft above the ground or the highest obstacle in it.
VFR cruising levels
Semicircular levels tie your level to your direction, so opposite-direction traffic does not meet at the same level.
In level cruise more than 3 000 ft (900 m) above the ground or water, or above a higher datum set by the competent authority, a VFR flight uses the VFR cruising level for its track, unless an ATC clearance or the competent authority says otherwise.
For a magnetic track of 000° to 179°, VFR levels are odd thousands plus 500 ft: FL 35, 55, 75 and so on up to FL 275. For 180° to 359°, even thousands plus 500 ft: FL 45, 65, 85 and so on up to FL 285. "Track" means magnetic track, not heading.
Describe this figure
On the left, a compass rose of magnetic track is split along the north–south line. For tracks from 000° to 179°, the eastern half, the VFR levels are FL 35, 55, 75 and so on. For tracks from 180° to 359°, the western half, they are FL 45, 65, 85 and so on. On the right, a ladder from FL 30 to FL 80 shows the IFR levels on whole thousands and the VFR levels 500 ft between them, each VFR level labelled with its track range. A note says that the rule applies in level cruise more than 3 000 ft above ground or water.
The diagram is a compass rose: the eastern half labelled FL 35, 55, 75, the western half FL 45, 65, 85, with a side ladder of IFR levels on whole thousands, so each VFR level sits 500 ft between two IFR levels.
In Portugal, ANAC, as competent authority, has specified a different split for VFR flights above 3 000 ft (900 m) over terrain or water. Semicircles are north and south: magnetic track 270° to 089° takes even thousands plus 500 ft (FL 45, 65, 85 …); 090° to 269° takes odd thousands plus 500 ft (FL 35, 55, 75 …). This replaces the east/west split of the SERA table. Check the AIP in force before flight.
Describe this figure
A compass rose of magnetic track is split along the line from 270° to 090°, labelled Portugal (ANAC), AIP ENR 1.7.5. In the northern half, for tracks from 270° through north to 089°, VFR flights use even thousands plus 500 ft: FL 45, 65, 85 and so on. In the southern half, for tracks from 090° through south to 269°, they use odd thousands plus 500 ft: FL 35, 55, 75 and so on. A note says that this applies above 3 000 ft over terrain or water. This national split replaces the east/west split of the SERA table in Portugal.
The Portugal compass rose is split north/south instead: the northern half, 270° to 089°, labelled FL 45, 65, 85, and the southern half, 090° to 269°, labelled FL 35, 55, 75.
Watch the trigger: 3 000 ft above the ground or water, while the VMC bands use 3 000 ft AMSL or 1 000 ft above terrain. Altimeter settings are taught on page 050-01-06.
VFR and ATC
You follow the ATC rules of Section 8 in Class B, C or D airspace, as aerodrome traffic at a controlled aerodrome, and when flying special VFR. VFR in B, C and D needs a clearance and continuous two-way voice contact; E, F and G need neither; inside a radio mandatory zone you need radio, but still no clearance. Below 10 000 ft AMSL, VFR in Classes C to G is limited to 250 kt IAS.
In Class C, ATC separates you from IFR but not from other VFR; in Class D, not at all. ATC does not provide terrain clearance: you check that a clearance is safe in that respect. In areas designated to support flight information or search and rescue, you keep a listening watch with the flight information service.
If the weather drops below VMC for a controlled VFR flight, the pilot: (1) asks for an amended clearance to stay in VMC to destination or an alternate, or to leave the airspace needing a clearance; or (2) if none is obtained, stays in VMC and tells ATC whether leaving the airspace or landing at the nearest suitable aerodrome; or (3) inside a CTR, requests special VFR; or (4) requests an IFR clearance.
To change to IFR, you update or file a flight plan and get a clearance before continuing IFR in controlled airspace. For radio failure, see page 090-04-01.
Special VFR
A special VFR flight is a VFR flight that ATC has cleared to operate inside a control zone in weather below VMC. You ask; ATC authorises.
Special VFR is flown only inside a control zone, with an ATC clearance, and by day unless the competent authority permits otherwise. In an aeroplane you stay clear of cloud and with the surface in sight, with flight visibility of at least 1 500 m, at 140 kt IAS or less. ATC does not clear special VFR to take off, land or enter the circuit at an aerodrome in the CTR when the reported ground visibility is below 1 500 m or the ceiling below 600 ft (180 m).
Guidance adds that below 1 500 m ground visibility, ATC may still clear a flight only crossing the zone if the pilot reports at least 1 500 m flight visibility.
Describe this figure
In a control zone, normal VFR applies when the weather is VMC and, to take off, land, or enter the aerodrome traffic zone or circuit, the aerodrome reports a ceiling of at least 1 500 ft and a ground visibility of at least 5 km; the ATZ and circuit part of this gate applies at any aerodrome, controlled or not, unless ATC clears the flight. Otherwise the pilot requests special VFR from ATC, which is available by day, and at night only where the State permits it. To take off, land or join the circuit, the reported ground visibility must be at least 1 500 m and the ceiling at least 600 ft; if not, there is no clearance. A flight that only crosses the zone may still be cleared when the ground visibility is below 1 500 m, if the pilot reports a flight visibility of at least 1 500 m. In flight the pilot stays clear of cloud with the surface in sight, with a flight visibility of at least 1 500 m and at 140 kt IAS or less. ATC separates special VFR flights from IFR flights and, unless the competent authority prescribes otherwise, from other special VFR flights.
The flow chart starts at the aerodrome gate: 1 500 ft and 5 km reported means normal VFR; below that you need a clearance, and special VFR has its own 600 ft and 1 500 m floor. It ends with the in-flight conditions and notes that ATC separates you from IFR and, unless the competent authority prescribes otherwise, from other special VFR flights.
The special VFR rules contain no exemption from the VFR minimum heights.
Judge flight visibility using experience, local knowledge, visible landmarks, and the latest observations and forecasts.
Worked examples
Given: by day, 3 300 ft AMSL over a 2 600 ft plateau.
Find: the VMC minima in Class G and in Class D.
Method: the low-band top is the higher of 3 000 ft AMSL and terrain + 1 000 ft.
Working: 2 600 + 1 000 = 3 600 ft, higher than 3 000 ft. You are at 3 300 ft, below 3 600 ft, so you are in the low band.
Answer: Class G: 5 km, clear of cloud, surface in sight; 1 500 m only where the competent authority has prescribed it, at 140 kt IAS or less. Class D: 5 km, 1 500 m horizontally and 1 000 ft vertically from cloud.
Given: magnetic track 245°; you want about 5 000 ft; ground at 800 ft AMSL.
Find: the VFR cruising level.
Method: check the trigger, then pick from the semicircle.
Working: 5 000 − 800 = 4 200 ft above ground, more than 3 000 ft, so the rule applies. 245° is in the 180°–359° half: even thousands + 500, so 4 500 ft or 6 500 ft. 4 500 ft is closer, and still 3 700 ft above ground.
Answer: FL 45, listed as 4 500 ft (1 350 m). In Portugal, 245° is in the 090°–269° half: odd thousands + 500, so 3 500 ft or 5 500 ft; 5 500 ft is closer and 4 700 ft above ground, so FL 55. Whether you fly it on QNH or as a flight level is taught on page 050-01-06.
Given: by day, the CTR aerodrome reports ceiling 1 200 ft and ground visibility 6 km.
Find: whether a normal VFR departure is allowed, and whether special VFR is possible.
Method: compare with the VFR aerodrome minima, then with the special VFR floor.
Working: 6 km meets 5 km, but 1 200 ft is below 1 500 ft. For special VFR, 1 200 ft is above 600 ft and 6 km above 1 500 m. Staying 1 000 ft below a 1 200 ft base would leave only 200 ft above the ground, below the 500 ft minimum height.
Answer: no VFR departure without a clearance. You may request special VFR, which ATC is not barred from giving; the decision is ATC's. Airborne, you stay clear of cloud, surface in sight, at least 1 500 m flight visibility, 140 kt IAS or less.
In the real world
On 3 December 2015 a Commander 114B flying VFR from the Isle of Man to Blackpool met a bank of low cloud moving out to sea. Radar showed it descending and slowing as it entered the cloud, until it disappeared from radar; the accident site is given as about 2.5 NM west of Blackpool. Neither aircraft nor pilot was found; the AAIB concluded it may have stalled at a height from which recovery was not possible. Read the AAIB report.
EASA cites studies estimating that up to 14 % of general aviation accidents are weather related, the category with the most fatal accidents and the highest lethality rate, and that more than half of those involved continued VFR flight into IMC. Read the EASA article.
Treat legal minima as limits, not targets. Plan with personal minima above them, keep an escape route, and decide early to turn back or divert.
Exam traps
"In Class G low down, 1 500 m is enough." The SERA value is 5 km. 1 500 m applies only where the competent authority has prescribed it, and never at night.
"The low band is below 3 000 ft." It is 3 000 ft AMSL or 1 000 ft above terrain, whichever is higher.
"Clear of cloud means 1 500 m and 1 000 ft." Clear of cloud has no fixed distance, and applies only to Classes F and G in the low band, and to special VFR.
Mixing the aerodrome numbers. Normal VFR without a clearance: ceiling 1 500 ft and ground visibility 5 km. Special VFR take-off, landing or circuit: 600 ft and 1 500 m.
Reversed cruising levels. 000°–179° magnetic: odd + 500. 180°–359°: even + 500. The trigger is 3 000 ft above ground or water, not AMSL.
"Night minimum level is 1 000 ft above ground." It is the State's minimum flight altitude, or 1 000 ft (2 000 ft over high or mountainous terrain) above the highest obstacle within 8 km.
Explain it back
A friend will fly VFR at 3 300 ft over a 2 600 ft plateau in Class G, then land at a CTR aerodrome reporting a 1 200 ft ceiling. Explain in your own words which VMC band they are in, and what they may do, and ask ATC for, at the aerodrome.
Self-check
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You fly VFR over a small town, outside any take-off or landing phase and without any special permission. What is your minimum height?mcq · easy
Show answer
Over a congested area, the minimum height is 1 000 ft above the highest obstacle within 600 m. The 500 ft options are the 'elsewhere' values, which do not apply over a town. The 8 km radius belongs to the night VFR minimum level, not to the minimum heights over a congested area.
Reference: SERA.5005(f)(1), (2); SERA.5005(c)(5)
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By day, you are ready to depart VFR from an aerodrome inside a control zone. The aerodrome reports a ceiling of 1 000 ft and ground visibility of 4 km. Which statement is correct?mcq · medium
Show answer
Both reported values are below the VFR aerodrome minima (ceiling 1 500 ft, ground visibility 5 km), so you need an ATC clearance. Special VFR is the clearance to ask for, and it is only barred below 600 ft ceiling or 1 500 m ground visibility, so it is possible. The first option confuses the special VFR floor with the normal VFR minima. The second ignores special VFR. The fourth applies the normal VFR 5 km value to special VFR, whose floor is 1 500 m.
Reference: SERA.5005(b); SERA.5010(c)
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You are in level cruise on a magnetic track of 100°, about 4 000 ft above the ground, with no ATC instruction about levels. Which VFR cruising level do you use?mcq · medium
Show answer
You are more than 3 000 ft above the ground, so the VFR cruising levels apply. A magnetic track of 000° to 179° takes odd thousands plus 500 ft, so FL 55 is correct. FL 45 is an even-plus-500 level for tracks of 180° to 359°. FL 50 and FL 60 are whole-thousand levels, which are IFR levels, not VFR levels.
Reference: SERA.5005(g); SERA Appendix 3
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Where the competent authority permits VFR at night and the State has published no minimum flight altitude, you fly cross-country at night over terrain that is not high or mountainous. What is your minimum level, away from take-off and landing?mcq · hard
Show answer
The night minimum level elsewhere is 1 000 ft above the highest obstacle within 8 km of the estimated position. 500 ft within 150 m is the day minimum height 'elsewhere'. '1 000 ft above the ground' leaves out the obstacle and the 8 km radius. 2 000 ft applies only over high terrain or mountainous areas.
Reference: SERA.5005(c)(5)
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By day, you fly VFR in Class G at 3 500 ft AMSL over terrain of 2 800 ft. The competent authority has not prescribed any reduced flight visibility. Which VMC minima apply, and why?short · hard
Show answer
The top of the low band is the higher of 3 000 ft AMSL and terrain + 1 000 ft: 2 800 + 1 000 = 3 800 ft AMSL. At 3 500 ft you are at or below 3 800 ft, so you are in the low band, even though you are above 3 000 ft. In Class G low band the minima are 5 km flight visibility, clear of cloud and with the surface in sight. A common wrong answer is 5 km with 1 500 m and 1 000 ft from cloud, which treats the flight as being in the middle band. The 1 500 m flight visibility option does not apply, because the competent authority has not prescribed it.
Key concepts
Written with ASD-STE100 writing principles: short sentences, one topic per sentence, active voice, one word for one meaning.
VFR and VMC
Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) are weather conditions at or better than the minima for visibility, distance from cloud and ceiling. A VFR flight is a flight under the visual flight rules (VFR), and it must stay in VMC at all times. Only a special VFR flight in a control zone (CTR), with an air traffic control (ATC) clearance, can operate below VMC.
Rule: SERA.5005(a); SERA Article 2(140), 2(142)
Do not: continue a VFR flight into cloud or into weather below VMC.
VMC minima
At and above an altitude of 10 000 ft, the minimum flight visibility is 8 km; below that altitude, it is 5 km. The minimum distance from cloud is 1 500 m horizontally and 1 000 ft vertically, except in Class F and G in the low band. In Class F and G in the low band, you must stay clear of cloud with the surface in sight.
Rule: SERA.5001, Table S5-1 and note (***)(a); SERA.5005(c)(3)(ii)
Do: take the low band top as 3 000 ft altitude or 1 000 ft height above terrain, whichever is higher.
Do not: use a flight visibility of 1 500 m at night, or without a prescription from the competent authority.
Aerodrome VFR minima
Without an ATC clearance, a VFR flight must not depart from or land at an aerodrome in a CTR below two minima. The same applies to entry into the aerodrome traffic zone (ATZ) or circuit of any aerodrome, controlled or not. The two minima are a reported ceiling of 1 500 ft (450 m) and a ground visibility of 5 km at that aerodrome.
Rule: SERA.5005(b)(1), (2)
Do not: use your flight visibility in place of the reported ground visibility.
Special VFR
A special VFR flight is a VFR flight with an ATC clearance to operate in a CTR in weather below VMC. You must stay clear of cloud with the surface in sight, in a flight visibility of at least 1 500 m. ATC must not clear a take-off, a landing or entry to the aerodrome traffic circuit below 1 500 m ground visibility or 600 ft ceiling.
Rule: SERA.5010(a), (b), (c); SERA Article 2(122)
Do: keep the indicated airspeed (IAS) at 140 kt or less.
Do not: request special VFR outside a CTR, or at night without a permission from the competent authority.
Night VFR
VFR at night is possible only where the competent authority permits it, and the pilot needs a night rating. You must file a flight plan to leave the aerodrome vicinity, and keep two-way radio communication with air traffic services (ATS) where available. The aerodrome ceiling must be at least 1 500 ft (450 m), and in the low band you must always keep the surface in sight.
Rule: SERA.5005(c)(1), (2), (3), (5); FCL.810(a)
Do not: fly below the minimum flight altitude that the State publishes.
Do: without one, keep 1 000 ft above the highest obstacle within 8 km.
Do: over high terrain or in mountainous areas, keep 2 000 ft above that obstacle.
VFR minimum heights
Over a congested area or an open-air assembly of persons, the minimum is 1 000 ft above the highest obstacle within 600 m. Elsewhere, the minimum is 500 ft (150 m) above the ground or water, or above the highest obstacle within 150 m. The exceptions are take-off and landing, and a permission from the competent authority.
Rule: SERA.5005(f)(1), (2); AMC1 SERA.5005(f)
Do: measure the minimum from the highest obstacle in the radius, not only from the ground.
VFR cruising levels
In level cruise more than 3 000 ft (900 m) above the ground or water, a VFR flight must use a VFR cruising level. Magnetic track 000° to 179° takes odd thousands plus 500 ft; 180° to 359° takes even thousands plus 500 ft. An ATC clearance or the competent authority can specify other levels, and in Portugal the competent authority specifies north/south semicircles.
Rule: SERA.5005(g); SERA Appendix 3; AIP Portugal ENR 1.7.5
Do: in Portugal, use even thousands plus 500 ft for 270°–089° and odd thousands plus 500 ft for 090°–269°.
Do not: use the heading or the true track to select the level.
VFR upper limits and ATC
VFR flight is not permitted above flight level (FL) 195, except in a State airspace reservation or with an ATS authorisation up to FL 285. Where a 1 000 ft vertical separation applies above FL 290, ATS must not authorise VFR flight above FL 285. In Class B, C and D, a VFR flight must have an ATC clearance and keep continuous two-way voice communication.
Rule: SERA.5005(d)(2), (e), (h); SERA.6001(a)(2)–(4)
Flashcards
Print them: A6 landscape cards (PDF, front and back) · 4 cards per A4 landscape sheet (PDF, cut lines) · Key figures deck (PDF, 28 figures)
Print double-sided, flip on the short edge.
010-05-03-01What is VMC?
Weather conditions at or better than the minima for visibility, distance from cloud and ceiling.
010-05-03-02Can a VFR flight continue in weather below VMC?
No. A VFR flight stays in VMC at all times. Only a special VFR flight in a CTR, with an ATC clearance, can operate below VMC.
010-05-03-03Flight visibility and ground visibility. What is the difference?
Flight visibility is what the pilot sees forward from the cockpit in flight. Ground visibility is the visibility at an aerodrome, reported by an observer or an automatic system.
010-05-03-04Which cloud layers count for the ceiling?
The lowest layer below 20 000 ft (6 000 m) that covers more than half the sky. The ceiling is the height of its base above the ground or water.
010-05-03-05When does night start and end?
Night is from the end of evening civil twilight to the start of morning civil twilight. Civil twilight ends or starts when the centre of the sun is 6° below the horizon.
010-05-03-06VMC minima at and above 10 000 ft AMSL?
Flight visibility 8 km. Distance from cloud 1 500 m horizontally and 1 000 ft vertically.
010-05-03-07VMC minima below 10 000 ft AMSL, above the low band?
Flight visibility 5 km. Distance from cloud 1 500 m horizontally and 1 000 ft vertically.
010-05-03-08Where is the top of the low band?
At 3 000 ft AMSL or 1 000 ft above the terrain, whichever is higher.
010-05-03-09VMC minima in Classes F and G in the low band?
Flight visibility 5 km, clear of cloud, surface in sight.
010-05-03-10When can the flight visibility in Classes F and G in the low band be 1 500 m?
Only where the competent authority prescribes it, at 140 kt IAS or less (or where other traffic is unlikely). Never at night.
010-05-03-11When does FL 100 replace 10 000 ft as the upper band boundary?
When the transition altitude is lower than 10 000 ft.
010-05-03-12VFR without an ATC clearance at an aerodrome in a CTR, or into any ATZ or circuit. Weather minima?
Reported ceiling 1 500 ft (450 m) and ground visibility 5 km at that aerodrome.
010-05-03-13Night VFR. What is needed?
Permission of the State, a flight plan if you leave the vicinity of the aerodrome, two-way radio where available, an aerodrome ceiling of 1 500 ft (450 m), no reduced visibility, and the surface in sight in the low band.
010-05-03-14Night VFR minimum level, with no published minimum flight altitude?
1 000 ft above the highest obstacle within 8 km of your estimated position. Over high terrain or mountainous areas, 2 000 ft.
010-05-03-15Highest level for VFR?
FL 195. Exceptions up to FL 285 with an ATS authorisation, or in an airspace reservation. No VFR above FL 285 where 1 000 ft separation is applied above FL 290.
010-05-03-16VFR speed limit below 10 000 ft AMSL?
250 kt IAS, in Classes C to G.
010-05-03-17VFR minimum height over a congested area or an open-air assembly of persons?
1 000 ft (300 m) above the highest obstacle within 600 m of the aircraft.
010-05-03-18VFR minimum height elsewhere?
500 ft (150 m) above the ground or water, or above the highest obstacle within 150 m of the aircraft.
010-05-03-19When can you fly below the VFR minimum heights?
When needed for take-off or landing, or with permission of the competent authority.
010-05-03-20When do the VFR cruising levels apply?
In level cruise more than 3 000 ft (900 m) above the ground or water, unless ATC or the competent authority says otherwise.
010-05-03-21VFR cruising levels by magnetic track (SERA)?
000°–179° → odd thousands + 500 ft (FL 35, 55, 75). 180°–359° → even thousands + 500 ft (FL 45, 65, 85).
010-05-03-22VFR cruising levels in Portugal?
Magnetic track 270°–089° → even thousands + 500 ft (FL 45, 65, 85). 090°–269° → odd thousands + 500 ft (FL 35, 55, 75). Check the AIP in force.
010-05-03-23Special VFR. Where, and who decides?
Only in a CTR, with an ATC clearance. You ask; ATC authorises. By day only, unless the competent authority permits it at night.
010-05-03-24Special VFR pilot conditions (aeroplanes)?
Clear of cloud, surface in sight, flight visibility 1 500 m, 140 kt IAS or less.
010-05-03-25Below which reported weather does ATC give no special VFR clearance to take off, land or join the circuit?
Ground visibility 1 500 m, or ceiling 600 ft (180 m).
010-05-03-26In which airspace classes does a VFR flight need an ATC clearance?
Classes B, C and D. VFR is not permitted in Class A.
010-05-03-27Night VFR. What must your licence hold?
A night rating.
Sources
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 (SERA): Article 2; SERA.3105; SERA.5001 and Table S5-1; SERA.5005; SERA.5010; SERA.6001; SERA.6005; SERA.8001; SERA.8005; SERA.8020; SERA.14083; Appendix 3; Appendix 4 — via EASA Easy Access Rules for Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA), August 2025, with the related AMC/GM.
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, Part-FCL, FCL.810 (night rating) — via EASA Easy Access Rules for Aircrew, November 2025.
- AAIB, investigation report to Rockwell Commander 114B, 2-ROAM, 3 December 2015: gov.uk/aaib-reports.
- EASA, Inadvertent flight into IMC conditions, 19 December 2018: easa.europa.eu.
This page is educational. It does not replace instruction at your ATO or your aircraft's POH/AFM. Rules change: check the regulation in force.