Definition
A flight plan filed for a VFR flight that will operate into, within, or across an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). DVFR procedures allow air defense authorities to identify and track civil aircraft in airspace where unidentified traffic could be treated as a security concern. The flight is conducted under VFR rules but with the additional requirements of filing a DVFR flight plan, activating it, and reporting position as required by 14 CFR Part 99.
Plain English
When a pilot flies under visual flight rules through airspace that the military watches closely for security reasons, they have to file a special flight plan called DVFR so the country knows who they are and where they're going.
Context Anchor
Seen when planning VFR flights near or through an Air Defense Identification Zone, especially in FAA airspace and flight planning discussions.
Derivation
The 'D' stands for 'Defense,' reflecting the airspace's national security purpose. The concept dates to the Cold War, when ADIZs were established so the military could quickly distinguish friendly civil traffic from potential threats approaching U.S. airspace.
Why Pilots Care
Failing to file when required can trigger military interception or enforcement actions.
Intuition Check
DVFR does not mean “military VFR.” It means a normal visual-rules flight with extra identification requirements for defense-related airspace.
Example Sentence 1
Before crossing the coastal ADIZ on her flight from Bermuda back to Florida, she filed a DVFR flight plan and activated it with Flight Service prior to entry.
Example Sentence 2
DVFR procedures let the flight continue under visual rules while meeting defense reporting requirements.