AIM 

4/20/23

 

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24

Navigation Aids

(d)

Do not solely rely on GPS for VFR navigation. No design standard of accuracy or integrity is used

for a VFR GPS receiver. VFR GPS receivers should be used in conjunction with other forms of navigation during
VFR operations to ensure a correct route of flight is maintained. Minimize head

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down time in the aircraft by

being familiar with your GPS receiver’s operation and by keeping eyes outside scanning for traffic, terrain, and
obstacles.

(e) VFR Waypoints

(1)

VFR waypoints provide VFR pilots with a supplementary tool to assist with position awareness

while navigating visually in aircraft equipped with area navigation receivers. VFR waypoints should be used as
a tool to supplement current navigation procedures. The uses of VFR waypoints include providing navigational
aids for pilots unfamiliar with an area, waypoint definition of existing reporting points, enhanced navigation in
and around Class B and Class C airspace, enhanced navigation around Special Use Airspace, and entry points
for commonly flown mountain passes. VFR pilots should rely on appropriate and current aeronautical charts
published specifically for visual navigation. If operating in a terminal area, pilots should take advantage of the
Terminal Area Chart available for that area, if published. The use of VFR waypoints does not relieve the pilot
of any responsibility to comply with the operational requirements of 14 CFR Part 91.

(2)

VFR waypoint names (for computer entry and flight plans) consist of five letters beginning with

the letters “VP” and are retrievable from navigation databases. The VFR waypoint names are not intended to be
pronounceable, and they are not for use in ATC communications. On VFR charts, stand

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alone VFR waypoints

will be portrayed using the same four

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point star symbol used for IFR waypoints. VFR waypoints collocated with

visual check

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points on the chart will be identified by small magenta flag symbols. VFR waypoints collocated

with visual check

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points will be pronounceable based on the name of the visual check

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point and may be used

for ATC communications. Each VFR waypoint name will appear in parentheses adjacent to the geographic
location on the chart. Latitude/longitude data for all established VFR waypoints may be found in FAA Order JO
7350.9, Location Identifiers.

(3)

VFR waypoints may not be used on IFR flight plans. VFR waypoints are not recognized by the IFR

system and will be rejected for IFR routing purposes.

(4)

Pilots may use the five

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letter identifier as a waypoint in the route of flight section on a VFR flight

plan. Pilots may use the VFR waypoints only when operating under VFR conditions. The point may represent
an intended course change or describe the planned route of flight. This VFR filing would be similar to how a VOR
would be used in a route of flight.

(5)

VFR waypoints intended for use during flight should be loaded into the receiver while on the

ground. Once airborne, pilots should avoid programming routes or VFR waypoint chains into their receivers.

(6)

Pilots should be vigilant to see and avoid other traffic when near VFR waypoints. With the increased

use of GPS navigation and accuracy, expect increased traffic near VFR waypoints. Regardless of the class of
airspace, monitor the available ATC frequency for traffic information on other aircraft operating in the vicinity.
See paragraph 7

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3, VFR in Congested Areas, for more information.

(7)

Mountain pass entry points are marked for convenience to assist pilots with flight planning and

visual navigation. Do not attempt to fly a mountain pass directly from VFR waypoint to VFR waypoint—they
do not create a path through the mountain pass. Alternative routes are always available. It is the pilot in
command’s responsibility to choose a suitable route for the intended flight and known conditions.

REFERENCE

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AIM, Para 7

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7, Mountain Flying.

2. IFR Use of GPS

(a) General Requirements. 

Authorization to conduct any GPS operation under IFR requires:

(1)

GPS navigation equipment used for IFR operations must be approved in accordance with the

requirements specified in Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO

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C129(), TSO

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C196(), TSO

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C145(), or

TSO

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C146(), and the installation must be done in accordance with Advisory Circular AC 20

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138, Airworthiness