helimutt
yea - kinda - for VFR you do not need 'visual references', you just need to have a visibility of 1500m (these days). (and surface in sight, regardless of whether there is anything to see)
(unless above 3000ft, then there are a different set of illogicalities to deal with)
BB "it should be extremely straightforward in every regard as Air Regulations" yup it SHOULD be... but it is not
You've got to remember that rules are often written by people who don't fly