A pilot is planning an IFR flight from an airport in Class G airspace to an airport in Class D airspace. The departure airport has no operating control tower or published instrument departure procedure. What is the minimum weather required at the departure airport for takeoff under 14 CFR Part 91?
- A1 statute mile visibility.
- BNo minimums apply, as long as the pilot can maintain VFR for takeoff.
- CThe airport must have a published instrument departure procedure to depart IFR from Class G airspace.
- DThe latest weather report must indicate a ceiling of at least 1,000 feet and visibility of 3 statute miles.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. No minimums apply, as long as the pilot can maintain VFR for takeoff.
Under 14 CFR Part 91, there are no specific weather minimums for IFR takeoff from an airport in Class G airspace, or any other airspace, provided the pilot can maintain VFR for takeoff. If the departure airport has a published instrument procedure, then the pilot must comply with those minimums, but if none exist, the pilot must ensure they can depart visually. This is often referred to as a 'VFR over the top' departure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is a common misconception, but Part 91 does not specify a 1SM visibility minimum for takeoff in Class G.
- C. While recommended, an airport does not require a published instrument departure procedure to allow IFR departures from Class G airspace under Part 91.
- D. These are typically en route or approach minimums, not takeoff minimums for Class G.
Part 91 IFR Takeoff Minimums (Uncontrolled/No DP)
For IFR operations under Part 91, if an airport does not have published takeoff minimums or a departure procedure, there are no specific weather minimums for takeoff, provided the pilot can depart under VFR conditions.
- Applies to Part 91 operations.
- No published takeoff minimums/DP means no specific weather minimums.
- Pilot must be able to depart under VFR (visual lookout).
Memory trick: Part 91: If no rules are written, fly by sight.