FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsEasy
A pilot is planning a VFR flight at 9,500 feet MSL over an area where the Class E airspace begins at 1,200 feet AGL. What are the minimum flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements for this flight?
- A3 statute miles visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
- B5 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.
- C3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.
- D1 statute mile visibility, clear of clouds.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.
For VFR flight in Class E airspace at or above 10,000 feet MSL, the minimums are 5 SM visibility and 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 SM horizontal from clouds. Below 10,000 feet MSL, it's 3 SM visibility and 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal. Since the flight is at 9,500 feet MSL, it falls under the 'below 10,000 feet MSL' category.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. These are the correct cloud clearance requirements for Class E below 10,000 feet MSL, but the visibility is incorrect for this altitude.
- B. These are the requirements for Class E at or above 10,000 feet MSL, not applicable at 9,500 feet MSL.
- D. These are the requirements for Class G airspace during the day below 1,200 feet AGL, not for Class E.
Class E VFR Minimums (Below 10,000' MSL)
For VFR flight in Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL, pilots must maintain 3 statute miles visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
- Applies to Class E airspace.
- Altitude is below 10,000 feet MSL.
- Minimums: 3 SM visibility, 500' below, 1000' above, 2000' horizontal.
Memory trick: Easy Echo, Elevation is Everything for Enroute.