Definition
A set of visual flight rules used in certain controlled airspace where pilots fly by outside visual reference but must operate under air traffic control instructions, including a clearance and assigned routing or altitude. CVFR is used in some countries (notably Canada) and is not a standard category in U.S. domestic airspace, where VFR flight in controlled airspace generally does not require a clearance except in Class B.
Plain English
Flying by looking outside, but with the controller telling you where to go and at what height. You still need good weather to see, but you also need permission and you follow ATC's instructions like an IFR flight would.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA abbreviation lists, flight planning references, and controlled-airspace or ATC procedure discussions.
Derivation
The 'C' is added to 'VFR' to mark that the visual flight is controlled by ATC. The word 'controlled' here points to the airspace and the clearance requirement, not to the pilot's handling of the aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
Allows visual flight in controlled airspace without forcing a full instrument flight plan while still protecting separation from IFR traffic.
Grounding Statement
Picture a clear-day flight through busy controlled airspace: you can see outside, but ATC still has authority over when and where you may proceed.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “controlled” means ATC is flying the airplane or that the flight has become IFR. Here, “controlled” means ATC clearance or instructions apply while the pilot continues flying under visual rules.
Example Sentence 1
Before crossing into Canadian Class B airspace, the pilot filed a CVFR flight plan and waited for a clearance from ATC.
Example Sentence 2
Under CVFR the controller issued a heading change to keep the VFR flight clear of arriving jets.