What does the term "VFR" stand for in aviation weather?

The term "VFR" stands for Visual Flight Rules, which 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. Under VFR conditions, pilots are able to navigate and control their aircraft by visual references outside the cockpit, rather than relying solely on instruments. This is essential for safe flying, as it allows pilots to maintain spatial awareness and make decisions based on the visual environment.

In VFR conditions, the weather is typically characterized by good visibility and cloud cover that meets specified criteria. This ensures that pilots can avoid obstacles and adhere to air traffic control requirements while flying. Understanding VFR is crucial for pilots, especially when planning flights and navigating through airspace.