FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsHard

A pilot is flying VFR at 11,500 feet MSL in Class E airspace. What are the minimum flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements for this flight?

  1. A3 statute miles visibility; 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
  2. B3 statute miles visibility; 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.
  3. C5 statute miles visibility; 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.
  4. D1 statute mile visibility; clear of clouds.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. 5 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 statute miles visibility and 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds. The flight is at 11,500 feet MSL, which is above 10,000 feet MSL.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. These are the requirements for Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL.
  • B. This option mixes visibility with incorrect horizontal clearance for this altitude.
  • D. These are the requirements for Class G airspace during the day below 1,200 feet AGL.

Class E VFR Minimums (At/Above 10,000' MSL)

For VFR flight in Class E airspace at or above 10,000 feet MSL, pilots must maintain 5 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.

  • Applies to Class E airspace.
  • Altitude is at or above 10,000 feet MSL.
  • Minimums: 5 SM visibility, 1000' below, 1000' above, 1 SM horizontal.

Memory trick: Easy Echo, Elevation is Everything for Enroute.

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