VFR, VMC, IFR and IMC
Hi all,
Could anyone help me sort out the differences between VFR and IFR and who can exersise the right to use them?
The way I understand it, VFR is wereby a pilot can maintain VMC, and cannot be used in IMC.
IFR can be exersised in VMC or IMC, but MUST be used in IMC and class A airspace. IFR can be cancelled and the flight can continue so long as it remains in VMC.
Can a PPL exersise IFR provided he remains VMC (ie, he is not FORCED to use IFR because of the weather or class A)? Or do you have to have an IR to go IFR even if it's in VMC?
Also, when VFR, you cannot fly closer than 1000ft verticaly from cloud, and you must maintain sight with the ground. Does this mean that you cannot fly above cloud? I mean, what happens if you climb to 6000ft in clear skies, but then you come across some scattered clouds lower than you? I can still see the ground though the clound patches, and I am not flying closer than 1000ft to the cloud, do I have to desend to fly under it or can I maintain my flight level?
ONE last question, sorry. My book says that for a radar guided approach, the controller will give out height, and so it is advisable that QFE is set. I've jumpseated a few times on 737's and 747's and I have always thought that the pilot set QNH. Can someone clarify?
maybe I should give it a rest and have some tea!
Thanks