Weather Guide
VFR, MVFR, IFR, and LIFR explained
Flight categories are a quick way to summarize airport weather. They are based mostly on visibility and cloud ceiling. A ceiling is the height of the lowest broken or overcast cloud layer, not just any cloud in the sky. That distinction matters because scattered clouds usually do not create a ceiling.
VFR
Visual Flight Rules conditions usually mean visibility is greater than 5 statute miles and the ceiling is above 3,000 feet. VFR does not automatically mean every flight is easy; wind, terrain, turbulence, traffic, and pilot experience still matter.
MVFR
Marginal VFR means conditions are legal for some visual operations but less comfortable. The ceiling may be between 1,000 and 3,000 feet or visibility may be between 3 and 5 statute miles.
IFR
Instrument Flight Rules weather generally means lower ceilings or reduced visibility. Pilots need the right rating, equipment, procedures, and clearance to operate safely in these conditions.
LIFR
Low IFR means very low ceiling or visibility. Even instrument-rated pilots treat LIFR carefully because alternate planning, approach minimums, fuel, and missed approach options become more important.
How FlightLen uses categories
FlightLen shows the category as a quick badge, then keeps the raw METAR visible so users can verify the details. The badge is useful for scanning, but the full report explains why the category was assigned: low clouds, lower visibility, or both.