A sport pilot is flying in Class G airspace at 900 feet AGL during the day. Current flight visibility is 2 statute miles with scattered clouds at 500 feet overhead. May this pilot legally continue as pilot in command using only sport pilot privileges?
- ANo, because sport pilot privileges require a minimum of 3 statute miles flight visibility and visual reference to the surface, regardless of the standard airspace minimums
- BYes, as long as the pilot remains clear of clouds at all times
- CYes, because this meets the Class G daytime VFR minimum of 1 statute mile visibility
- DNo, because sport pilots are prohibited from operating in Class G airspace entirely
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. No, because sport pilot privileges require a minimum of 3 statute miles flight visibility and visual reference to the surface, regardless of the standard airspace minimums
Although standard Class G day VFR minimums allow 1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds below 1,200 feet AGL, 14 CFR 61.315(c) imposes a stricter rule specific to sport pilots: they may not act as PIC when flight visibility is less than 3 statute miles, and they must maintain visual reference to the surface at all times.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Cloud clearance alone does not satisfy the visibility requirement.
- C. The standard Class G minimum does not override the stricter sport-pilot-specific visibility rule.
- D. Sport pilots may operate in Class G airspace; the issue here is visibility, not airspace class.
Sport Pilot Weather Minimums
A sport pilot may not act as PIC when flight visibility is less than 3 statute miles and must always maintain visual reference to the surface, regardless of the airspace class minimums.
- Stricter than standard VFR minimums in Class G
- Applies day or night (though night flight itself is prohibited)
- Found in 14 CFR 61.315(c)
Memory trick: Sport pilots always need '3 and see the ground' no matter the airspace.