Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) Practice Exam

If unexpected bad weather is encountered while using VFR, what should the flight team do?

1. Continue flying VFR

2. Switch to IFR

3. Land immediately

4. Call for assistance

The correct answer is: Switch to IFR

When unexpected bad weather is encountered while flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the best course of action is to switch to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This transition allows the flight team to operate safely in adverse conditions where visibility may be compromised. Under VFR, pilots rely on visual references for navigation and control; however, unexpected weather can quickly deteriorate these visual references, making it difficult to navigate and maintain safe flight. Switching to IFR involves adhering to air traffic control instructions and using instruments for navigation and altitude control, which is crucial in low visibility situations. This formal transition also provides additional safety by ensuring that the flight is monitored by air traffic control, which can assist in avoiding other air traffic. This approach supports the flight crew in maintaining a safe environment for themselves and their patients while complying with aviation regulations designed to enhance safety during challenging weather conditions. In this scenario, immediate landing or calling for assistance may not always be feasible or necessary, depending on the aircraft's altitude and flight path. Continuing to fly VFR is risky when encountering bad weather, as it can lead to loss of control or accidents. Therefore, the transition to IFR is the most appropriate and responsible action when weather conditions deteriorate.