Inspired by the
[Burning Question] VFR Flying: Can you do what you like? thread...
I've often wondered if there's a comprehensive list somewhere of countries worldwide that allows free flight?
Ie, countries where you *don't* need to file a flight plan when flying in VFR uncontrolled airspace.
Most of northern Europe, US, Canada (?) & Australia (?) certainly qualifies.
But how about...
- Poland & The Baltics?
- Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Romania, Ukraine?
- Egypt, Kenya?
- Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman?
- South Africa?
- India, Sri Lanka?
- New Zealand?
- Mexico?
- Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru?
Most of East/South East Asia definitely requires a flight plan (& various permits), including countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia & Hong Kong. I seem to recall Philippines didn't need a flight plan, but I'm not sure.
Places like China don't even allow GA at all.
Generally countries with little tradition of GA & a history of authoritarian regimes, tend to have a lot of flight restrictions and airspace ultimately controlled by the military.
Russia looks set to liberalise their airspace soon, but I reckon VFR without a flight plan may still be a no-no.