Hi all,When Flying VFR do you have to file a flight plan?, If you dont, whats to stop VFR from becoming a free for all in the Sky, and Everyone going everywhere?Also is there any limitation on what type of plane can fly VFR. Is there ever any time when an airliner would go VFR, if its at a low alt.Thanks for any InfoJason

Disclaimer: the following applies to the US only. I have no idea how they do it Botswana.It is recomended for safety's sake, but a VFR flight plan does not get you separation from other aircraft. It just tells searchers where to look if you are overdue. VFR is for all intents and purposes a free-for-all with everyone going everywhere, while following a few rules. The most important rule is see and avoid. No matter who you might be talking to on the radio, it is the pilot's responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft. Of course, you are required to stay clear of controlled airspaces without clearance, so keep below 18000 feet, and out of class B airspace without clearance. Class C and D airspaces do not require clearance to enter, but they do require "Two way communication" to be established with the tower. (That's a CLASSIC trick question on the PPL exam, btw. If you call the tower and they say 'Cessna 22SB Standby' it's ok to enter, but if they say 'Aircraft calling standby' it's not.) Enroute, eastbound flights (heading 000 to 179) above 3000 feet fly at odd thousands plus 500, eg 3500, 5500, 7500. Westbound flights (heading 180 to 359) above 3000 feet fly at even thousands plus 500, eg 4500, 6500, 8500. It's generally a good idea to request 'flight following' from ATC, but it is a service which may or may not be provided depending on controller workload, and it still does not guarrantee separation, it's still the pilot's responsibility to see and avoid. Aircraft arriving or departing an uncontrolled airfield should self-announce position and intentions on the radio, but be sure to maintain see-and-avoid, because some aircraft operating at at that airfield may not be equipped with radios, and some aircraft with radios may not be using them.Dan