What does 'VFR' stand for in aviation?

The term 'VFR' stands for Visual Flight Rules. In aviation, Visual Flight Rules are 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. VFR allows pilots to navigate and control the aircraft by visual reference to the ground and other landmarks during daylight and in good weather conditions, as opposed to relying solely on instruments.

Understanding VFR is fundamental for pilots, as it governs how they must operate under certain weather conditions and airspace restrictions. Pilots flying under VFR are expected to maintain visual separation from other aircraft and ensure that they have adequate visibility to navigate safely without relying on instruments.

The other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of the acronym or the principles associated with VFR. Vertical Flight Regulations do not exist in this context, while Variable Flight Rules and Visual Flight Regulations are not standard terminology used in aviation. Instead, Visual Flight Rules succinctly captures the essential idea of operating an aircraft using visual references.