FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsMedium
A pilot is flying VFR and enters Class E airspace that extends down to the surface at an airport without a control tower. What are the basic VFR weather minimums that apply at this airport?
- A3 statute miles visibility and remain clear of clouds at all altitudes
- B3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds
- C5 statute miles visibility and 1,000 feet vertical from clouds in any direction
- D1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds
Class E surface areas require standard VFR minimums: 3 statute miles visibility, and cloud clearance of 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal, matching the general Class E requirements below 10,000 feet MSL.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This mixes visibility requirements incorrectly and omits the standard cloud clearance distances.
- C. These minimums are for Class E airspace at or above 10,000 feet MSL, not near the surface.
- D. These are Class G minimums for day flight below 1,200 feet AGL, not Class E.
Class E VFR Minimums
Below 10,000 feet MSL, Class E airspace requires 3 statute miles visibility and cloud clearances of 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal.
- Applies to Class E surface areas at nontowered airports
- At or above 10,000 ft MSL minimums increase to 5 SM visibility and 1,000/1,000/1 mile clearances
- Class E surface areas depicted by dashed magenta lines on sectional charts
Memory trick: 3-152: 3 miles, 1000 above, 500 below, 2000 across