VFR Flight Planning

033-01-01Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

Route Selection

VFR Sectional Chart

When planning a VFR flight, the route must be selected to ensure:

  • Visual Reference: Landmarks for navigation (roads, rivers, towns).
  • Airspace Avoidance: Staying clear of controlled airspace (unless clearance is obtained) and restricted/prohibited areas.
  • Terrain Clearance: Sufficient altitude to clear obstacles by at least 1,000 ft (2,000 ft in mountainous areas).

Altitude Selection (VFR Cruising Levels)

Cruising altitudes are selected based on the Magnetic Track:

  • 000° - 179° (East): Odd thousands + 500 ft (e.g., 3,500, 5,500, 7,500).
  • 180° - 359° (West): Even thousands + 500 ft (e.g., 4,500, 6,500, 8,500).
  • Usually applies above 3,000 ft AGL.

Fuel Planning

For VFR flights, fuel MUST include:

  1. Taxi Fuel: For start-up and taxi.
  2. Trip Fuel: From take-off to landing at destination.
  3. Contingency Fuel: Usually 5% of trip fuel or 5 minutes holding.
  4. Agreed final reserve fuel: For VFR, usually 30 minutes (by day) or 45 minutes (by night) at normal cruising speed.

Meteorology

VFR flights require specific weather minima (VMC - Visual Meteorological Conditions):

  • Visibility: 5 km (typically) below 10,000 ft; 8 km above.
  • Cloud Distance: 1,500 m horizontally, 1,000 ft vertically.
  • Ceiling: Must allow flight at a safe altitude below clouds.
Written and reviewed by

Pablo Asensio · 2026-04-01

Aeronautical engineer. Passed the thirteen EASA ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge exams studying from these very notes. Writes and reviews each topic against the Part-FCL Learning Objectives.

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