FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)Navigation and AirspaceEasy
A private pilot is flying a helicopter over sparsely populated terrain in Class G airspace during the day, below 1,200 feet AGL, when flight visibility drops to 3/4 statute mile. According to 14 CFR 91.155, under what condition may the flight legally continue?
- AOnly if the helicopter is operated at a speed that allows adequate opportunity to see and avoid other traffic, clear of clouds
- BNever — minimum visibility for any aircraft in this airspace is 1 statute mile
- COnly if the helicopter is equipped with weather radar and the pilot files an IFR flight plan
- DOnly if the pilot obtains a special VFR clearance from ATC
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Only if the helicopter is operated at a speed that allows adequate opportunity to see and avoid other traffic, clear of clouds
14 CFR 91.155(b) grants helicopters a special exception below 1,200 feet AGL: they may operate with less than 1 statute mile visibility (but not less than 1/2 mile) and clear of clouds, provided they are operated at a speed that gives adequate opportunity to see and avoid other traffic.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 1 SM is the basic minimum for airplanes, but helicopters have a specific exception.
- C. Weather radar and an IFR flight plan are irrelevant to the VFR minimums exception.
- D. Special VFR applies to controlled airspace surface areas, not this Class G scenario.
Helicopter VFR Weather Exception
14 CFR 91.155(b) allows helicopters operating below 1,200 feet AGL to fly with less than standard VFR visibility (down to 1/2 mile) if clear of clouds and operated at a safe speed for see-and-avoid.
- Applies below 1,200 ft AGL
- Minimum visibility can be as low as 1/2 SM
- Must remain clear of clouds
- Speed must allow time to see and avoid traffic
Memory trick: Helicopters can 'hover' below the fixed-wing visibility rule down to half a mile.