What responsibility do pilots have when operating in VMC?

Pilots operating in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) have the primary responsibility for their situational awareness and maintaining separation from other aircraft, terrain, and obstacles. This involves visual flight rules, where pilots are expected to use their ability to see the surrounding environment to avoid collisions and navigate safely. In VMC, pilots should maintain a clear visual reference to the ground and remain aware of their surroundings, allowing for proactive reactions to potential hazards.

This fundamental aspect of pilot responsibility is crucial because it emphasizes the role of the pilot in actively monitoring and responding to their environment rather than relying solely on instruments or air traffic control. While IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) restrictions are important in controlled airspace, VMC allows pilots to operate visually, and solely relying on instruments does not align with the responsibilities in these conditions.