Flight Planning - IFR and VFR Compared

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The Importance of Flight Planning

Flight planning software can accurately direct aircraft in the fastest route possible with minimal fuss, it is simple to use and offers quality planning for IFR and VFR flights. Why is it so important you may ask? Planned effectively, it can save lives, money and a lot of time. Without an accurate and quality plan most flights would be extremely risky. Whether the flight is long or short haul, one of the most important aspects of flight planning is that of fuel consumption. Not only does an aircraft need enough fuel to complete its planned journey but also to land in an emergency situation; an unexpected change in landing space can sometimes occur which can result in an aircraft needing to land at an alternative airport.

IFR and VFR Compared

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) refers to any flight undertaken with the need for on-board instruments to assist the pilot in navigating the craft safely. IFR flight planning is needed when flying in unfavourable conditions; when visibility is low, there are heavy clouds or rain and snow is present. IFR Flights need a pilot to have undergone rigorous training in order that the complex tools can be used for the best results. Visual Flight Rules (VFR) use a pilots own sight and hearing in order for them to navigate and the rules of VFR are rather simpler than those of IFR. Pilots can make their own decisions regarding the speed and bearing with more ease than a pilot who is flying under IFR. VFR flying allows the utilisation of the outside environment in decision making, the position of the horizon for instance can tell a pilot a lot about the height and course of their craft. There is little room for manoeuvre of rules during IFR flight whereas VFR flight allows a pilot to choose instruments as and when they see appropriate. The main difference between VFR flight planning and IFR planning is obviously that a pilot flying an aircraft with no apparatus assisting them, must use their own senses to guide the craft successfully. This entails much skill and judgement as far as understanding the distance of any obstacles which may appear unexpectedly, such as other aircraft or even unexpected cloud. Prediction of weather is just as an important factor for VFR flights as it is for IFR flights and a good plan can go a long way in keeping everyone on board safe.

Flight Planning - Overview

Nothing is entirely predictable, no weather station is right 100% of the time and as unexpected emergencies sometimes occur, it is vital that flight planning systems are used to ensure ultimate safety. Minimising risks and making every effort to foresee what could potentially cause disruption puts the power in the hands of the pilot and as flight planning programmes are now widely available, the risk of inaccuracy is now at an all-time low and so flying is safer than ever before. The safety of all concerned is a vital component of any good plan and with this in mind, a modern flight plan is constructed with great care and expertise.

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