FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsMedium
A private pilot is planning a daytime VFR flight in a helicopter within Class G airspace at 700 feet AGL. What are the minimum weather requirements the pilot must maintain?
- A3 statute miles visibility and 500 feet below the clouds
- B1 statute mile visibility and 1,000 feet above the clouds
- C1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds
- D3 statute miles visibility and clear of clouds
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds
Per 14 CFR 91.155, in Class G airspace at or below 1,200 feet AGL during the day, the required VFR weather minimums are 1 statute mile visibility and remaining clear of clouds. Since 700 feet AGL is below the 1,200-foot threshold and it is daytime, these reduced minimums apply.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. That standard applies to Class G airspace at night, not daytime operations below 1,200 ft AGL.
- B. 1,000 ft above clouds is a requirement for airspace at or above 10,000 ft MSL, not applicable here.
- D. 3 SM and clear of clouds is not a standard VFR minimum combination under 91.155.
Class G VFR Weather Minimums (Day, ≤1,200 ft AGL)
In Class G airspace at or below 1,200 feet AGL during the day, VFR flight requires only 1 statute mile visibility and remaining clear of clouds.
- Applies below 1,200 ft AGL
- Daytime only for these reduced minimums
- Night minimums increase to 3 SM and 1,000/500/2,000 cloud clearance
- Found in 14 CFR 91.155
Memory trick: Below 1,200 by day, just stay a mile away (from clouds) and see a mile ahead.