Visual Flight Rules (VFR) is a set of regulations established by aviation authorities that permit pilots to operate an aircraft by observing the terrain.
To meet VFR requirements, pilots must maintain visibility requirements for the airspace they are flying in and additionally they must also remain the required distance from clouds.
While flying under VFR conditions – It is a pilot’s responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft while in-flight while using visual cues such as landmarks, mountains, and shorelines to navigate.
To meet VFR requirements, pilots must maintain visibility requirements for the airspace they are flying in and additionally they must also remain the required distance from clouds.
In addition to the published VFR minimums, East Coast Aero Club endorses student pilots to fly if conditions meet a stricter set of minimum conditions. These conditions are set as part of your endorsement to fly solo and are designed to keep you from venturing into weather you may not be familiar with yet at your stage of training and to keep you safe.
The following student pilot limitations shall be entered in each student’s logbook and explained to them so there are no misunderstandings of these limitations:
ECAC limitations for all student pilots flying solo:
Wind Limitations
- Maximum wind of 17 Kts
- Maximum cross wind of 7 Kts Max
- Gusts not to exceed 5 Kts
Ceilings and Visibilities
Flying in the local traffic pattern: 1,600’ AGL ceiling and visibility 6 Statue Miles or greater
Flying in the local practice areas: 3,500 AGL ceiling and visibility 6 Statue Miles or greater
Flying Cross-country: 4,000′ AGL ceiling and visibility 6 Statue Miles at origin, along entire route of flight and greater and at destination
Instructors may limit their students to lower winds and higher ceilings and visibility for students. If so, your instructor will discuss these limitations with you and place the limitation in your logbook and inform the ECAC dispatchers to enter them in the student’s information.