What should pilots primarily rely on when flying below the cloud cover?

When flying below the cloud cover, pilots should primarily rely on visual flight rules (VFR). VFR allows pilots to navigate and operate an aircraft by visual reference to the ground and other landmarks, as well as to avoid obstacles and maintain a safe distance from other air traffic. This method is crucial when weather conditions allow for good visibility and pilots can operate safely without solely relying on instruments.

Utilizing VFR means that pilots are actively observing their environment, using visual cues to maintain course and altitude, and making decisions based on what they can see. This is especially important in maintaining safety during flight as it allows for better situational awareness.

While instrument flight rules (IFR) and cockpit instruments play essential roles in flying, especially in adverse weather conditions or when flying at higher altitudes where visibility may be compromised, they are not the primary focus when flying beneath cloud cover where visual navigation is feasible. Radar information can be beneficial for situational awareness, but it does not replace the need for visual references when conditions allow for VFR flight.