Understanding VFR, MVFR, IFR, and LIFR: What the Weather Dots Really Mean
✈️ Flight Category Basics
🟣 LIFR — Low Instrument Flight Rules
Definition:
Ceiling: Less than 500 feet AGL
Visibility: Less than 1 mile
LIFR is as low as it gets before "no-go" is basically assumed. These conditions are typically magenta on SkyVector and ForeFlight. Even IFR pilots will be sweating through approach plates with a 200-foot decision height.
Practical Tip: Unless you’re current, confident, and well-equipped, it’s best to wait this one out.
🔴 IFR — Instrument Flight Rules
Definition:
Ceiling: 500 to <1,000 feet AGL
Visibility: 1 to <3 miles
IFR conditions show up as red dots. This is the bare minimum for instrument pilots. VFR pilots? Not a chance, unless you're requesting Special VFR—and even then, not at night unless you're instrument rated.
Practical Tip: If you’re not rated or rusty, today’s not the day to push it.
🔵 MVFR — Marginal Visual Flight Rules
Definition:
Ceiling: 1,000 to 3,000 feet AGL
Visibility: 3 to 5 miles
MVFR is the gray area—technically legal for VFR, but definitely not ideal. Depicted as blue on flight planning apps, MVFR can lure you into unsafe weather, especially if terrain is a factor or you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Why It’s Risky:
You may be flying close to clouds or terrain.
VFR cloud clearance rules in Class E (500 feet below) can force you dangerously low.
Practical Tip: Many accidents happen in MVFR conditions. If you're not instrument rated, don't risk it.
🟢 VFR — Visual Flight Rules
Definition:
Ceiling: Greater than 3,000 feet AGL
Visibility: Greater than 5 miles
Green means go! Conditions are ideal for visual flying. Clear skies, high ceilings, and wide-open visibility. But remember—green doesn’t guarantee calm winds or the absence of storms.
Practical Tip: Always cross-check for winds, convective SIGMETs, and TFRs—even in VFR conditions.
🧭 Why This Matters: Go/No-Go Decisions Made Simple
Let’s say you’re planning a flight from Portland to Seattle. A quick glance at SkyVector shows:
Blue dots around Olympia
Red dots near Astoria
Green across central Washington
You’ve now got a bird’s-eye view of what's happening without diving into dozens of METARs. Combine this with looping radar and winds aloft, and you’re on your way to making a smart, informed decision.
✈️ Final Thoughts
While it’s tempting to head out and log some hours, weather is the gatekeeper of every safe flight. These color-coded dots aren’t just pretty visuals—they're real-time warnings.
Green = Likely good to go
Blue = Use extreme caution
Red/Magenta = IFR pilots only—and even then, evaluate carefully
Never forget: It’s better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air… than the other way around.
