SVFR Priority
SVFR flights may be approved only if arriving and departing IFR aircraft are not
delayed.
Inform an aircraft of the anticipated delay when a SVFR clearance cannot be granted
because of IFR traffic. Do not issue an Expect Further Clearance (EFC) or expected
departure time.
VFR Cruising Altitudes or Flight Level
Except while holding in a holding pattern of 2 minutes or less, or while turning, each
person operating an aircraft under VFR in level cruising flight more than 3,000 feet
above the surface shall maintain the appropriate altitude or flight level prescribed below,
unless otherwise authorized by ATC:
1. When operating below 18,000 feet MSL
On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any odd
thousand-foot MSL altitude +500 feet (such as 3,500, 5,500, or 7,500)
On a magnetic course of 180 degrees through 359 degrees, any even
thousand-foot MSL altitude +500 feet (such as 4,500, 6,500, or 8,500)
2. When operating above 18,000 feet MSL, maintain the altitude or flight level
assigned by ATC.
INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES
The effectiveness of Navy pilots depends largely upon their ability to operate aircraft in
all types of weather conditions. To do this with a reasonable degree of safety, you and
the pilot must observe the basic regulations and control procedures that govern IFR
flight. Most CFR Part 91 rules apply to both military and civilian operations.
The Navy's express goal to decrease the probability of midair collisions requires that
Navy pilots operate under IFR to the maximum extent possible without unacceptable
mission degradation. To meet this goal, the Navy has added several additional
requirements.
Applicability
To understand and apply IFR flight rules, you must know where and when these rules
apply.
CFR Requirement
CFR 91.173 states "No person may operate an aircraft in controlled airspace under IFR
unless:
1. An IFR flight plan has been filed
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