Which statement best describes IFR and VFR flight rules?

The statement that IFR requires instrument navigation while VFR allows visual navigation is accurate because it encapsulates the fundamental differences between Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

Under IFR, pilots are required to rely on instruments for navigation and control, as these rules are designed for flying in conditions where visibility is limited, such as in poor weather or at night. IFR operations demand adherence to strict procedures, air traffic control clearances, and the use of instruments to maintain situational awareness and ensure safety in crowded or complex airspace.

Conversely, VFR provides pilots the flexibility to navigate visually by referring to landmarks, terrain, and other ground references, which is allowed when weather conditions meet specific visibility criteria that enable safe flight without instrument reliance. Pilots flying under VFR are generally responsible for maintaining their own separation from other aircraft as well as from terrain.

The emphasis on visual navigation in VFR as opposed to instrument navigation in IFR highlights the operational distinctions between the two rules and informs pilots about the necessary requirements needed for safe flight under varying conditions.