What does Visual Flight Rules (VFR) primarily allow pilots to do?

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) primarily allows pilots to navigate visually and avoid obstacles. Under VFR, pilots rely on what they can see outside the cockpit to determine their flight path, rather than on instruments alone, which is the primary method under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). When flying under VFR, pilots must maintain visual reference to the ground and must be able to see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles during flight. This approach emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and effective visual navigation skills, allowing pilots to make decisions based on their visual environment.

Other options present concepts that are not accurate interpretations of VFR. For instance, flying solely on instruments pertains to IFR, and while maintaining communication with air traffic control (ATC) is important, it is not a defining characteristic of VFR. Additionally, while VFR can be flown in good weather conditions, it does not permit unrestricted operations in all weather; pilots must still adhere to visibility and cloud clearance requirements to operate safely under VFR conditions.