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A helicopter pilot is planning a VFR flight in Class E airspace at 4,500 feet MSL, which is more than 1,200 feet AGL and below 10,000 feet MSL. What are the minimum flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements?

  1. A3 statute miles visibility; 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 mile horizontal from clouds
  2. B1 statute mile visibility, clear of clouds
  3. C5 statute miles visibility; 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 mile horizontal from clouds
  4. D3 statute miles visibility; 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. 3 statute miles visibility; 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds

Per 14 CFR 91.155, in Class E airspace more than 1,200 feet AGL but below 10,000 feet MSL, the basic VFR minimums are 3 statute miles visibility with cloud clearances of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. These are the minimums for Class E at or above 10,000 feet MSL, which requires 5 SM visibility, not 3.
  • B. 1 SM clear of clouds applies only in Class G at or below 1,200 feet AGL by day.
  • C. 5 SM visibility with these clearances applies at or above 10,000 feet MSL.

Class E VFR Minimums (91.155)

Below 10,000 ft MSL and more than 1,200 ft AGL in Class E airspace, VFR requires 3 SM visibility and 500/1,000/2,000 cloud clearance.

  • 3 SM visibility required
  • 500 ft below clouds
  • 1,000 ft above clouds
  • 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds

Memory trick: '3-5-2-1-1' ladder — 3 SM/500/1000/2000 below 10,000; 5 SM/1000/1000/1 mile above.

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