When operating under VFR, how should aircraft be flown?

When operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), pilots are required to maintain visual reference to the surface. This means that the pilot must be able to see the ground and navigate using visual landmarks, ensuring that the aircraft can be flown safely in visual meteorological conditions. This is a fundamental principle of VFR operations, as it relies on the pilot's ability to observe and interpret the environment outside the cockpit.

Maintaining visual reference is essential for avoiding obstacles, other aircraft, and terrain. VFR guidelines also dictate that pilots must be able to see and avoid other traffic, as well as comply with any applicable airspace restrictions that may require visual navigation. Thus, the requirement to operate with visual reference to the surface is integral to VFR flight safety and navigation.