Definition
The use of a Global Positioning System receiver as a navigation aid during flight conducted under Visual Flight Rules. When used for VFR navigation, GPS supplements pilotage and dead reckoning but does not replace the requirement to see and avoid other aircraft, maintain visual reference to the ground or landmarks where required, and carry and use appropriate aeronautical charts. The receiver may be panel-mounted certified equipment or a portable unit, and the pilot remains responsible for verifying database currency, signal integrity, and route accuracy.
Plain English
Using a GPS unit to help find your way when flying by visual rules. The GPS shows where you are and where you're going, but you still have to look outside, use your charts, and not rely on the GPS alone.
Context Anchor
Seen in VFR navigation planning, cockpit GPS use, moving-map displays, and discussions about using GPS safely during visual flight.
Derivation
VFR comes from “Visual Flight Rules,” the set of rules for flying mainly by outside visual reference. GPS comes from “Global Positioning System,” a satellite-based system that calculates position. Together, the phrase points to using satellite position information while still flying under visual-flight rules.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents loss of situational awareness or regulatory violations that can occur when a pilot begins to treat GPS as the main means of finding the way instead of an extra reference.
Analogy
GPS in VFR flying is like using a map app while driving in a familiar town. It helps, but you still watch the road, read signs, and know that the app may not show every temporary change.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “VFR Use of GPS” means “GPS does the navigation for you.” It means GPS supports your visual navigation and decision-making, while you remain responsible for seeing, planning, and verifying.
Example Sentence 1
For VFR use of GPS on his cross-country, he loaded the route into the receiver but kept the sectional chart open on his kneeboard.
Example Sentence 2
The handbook reminds pilots that VFR use of GPS still requires carrying current sectional charts in case the receiver loses signal or the battery fails.