Visual Meteorological Conditions

The terms Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC ) and VFR weather conditions are synonymous and denote the minimum weather conditions that must be met in order to operate flights under visual flight rules.

The minima are dependent on the airspace and are composed of the flight visibility and minimum distances to clouds together. In some airspaces a minimum - ground visibility, minimum height of the cloud ceiling or surface in sight yet are required. If these minimum conditions are not achieved, Instrument Meteorological Conditions prevail. However, you can Special VFR clearances are granted.

VMC minima in accordance with ICAO

The minima for visual flights are set internationally by ICAO in Annex 2 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation:

National regulations

The national legislation of individual states usually based on the above ICAO specifications. In detail, however, often occur deviations.

Germany

For Germany the VMC conditions are specified, the term minimum weather conditions for flights under visual flight rules in the air traffic regulations. The local definitions differ partly from those of ICAO from:

In addition, the following special cases apply:

  • In control zones (CTR ) in addition a ground visibility of 5 miles and a cloud ceiling of at least 450 m ( 1,500 ft) is requested above reason.
  • In control zones of airspace class D, there are as in G airspace no minimum distances clouds.
  • In G airspace is sufficient for flights with rotorcraft and airship and balloon rides a flight visibility of 800 m.

Austria

The Austrian AIP following minima for visual flight are defined:

Ceiling (cloud) Special visual flight rules Altitude above ground level Balloon (aircraft) Air navigation
728579
de