Definition
Defense Visual Flight Rules (DVFR) are the rules applicable to flights within an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) conducted under visual flight rules. A DVFR flight plan must be filed and the aircraft must be identified and tracked by air defense authorities, even though the flight itself is conducted visually rather than on instruments.
Plain English
DVFR is the set of rules a pilot follows when flying visually through a defense identification zone. The pilot files a special flight plan and stays in contact with the system that tracks aircraft for national defense, so the flight isn't mistaken for an unknown intruder.
Context Anchor
Seen when planning a visual flight that will enter, leave, or cross an Air Defense Identification Zone, such as near certain coastal or border areas.
Derivation
‘Defense’ points to national air defense; ‘Visual Flight Rules’ means the pilot is flying by outside reference rather than by instruments. The combined term signals VFR flying with extra defense-related identification requirements.
Why Pilots Care
Failure to follow the required procedures can result in military interception or enforcement action.
Intuition Check
DVFR is not a different way to look outside and fly the airplane. It is VFR flying with added defense-identification requirements.
Example Sentence 1
Before crossing the coastal ADIZ, the pilot filed a DVFR flight plan and activated it with Flight Service.
Example Sentence 2
Operating under DVFR, the flight maintained visual contact with the ground while making the required position reports.