FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsEasy
A pilot is flying VFR at 8,500 feet MSL in Class E airspace. The current altimeter setting is 29.92 inHg. What are the minimum flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements?
- A3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
- B5 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, and 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.
- C3 statute miles visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.
- D1 statute mile visibility, clear of clouds.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
For VFR flight in Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL, the minimum flight visibility is 3 statute miles, and the cloud clearance requirements are 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds. The altimeter setting being standard (29.92) is irrelevant to VFR minimums but confirms the altitude is MSL.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. These are the VFR minimums for Class E airspace at or above 10,000 feet MSL.
- C. This option has an incorrect horizontal cloud clearance (2,000 feet is required, not 1 statute mile).
- D. This describes VFR minimums for Class G below 1,200 feet AGL (day) or Class B, not Class E at this altitude.
Class E VFR Minimums (Below 10,000' MSL)
For VFR flight in Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL, specific visibility and cloud clearance minimums apply.
- Minimum visibility: 3 statute miles.
- Cloud clearance: 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontal.
- Applies to Class E airspace from the surface or 700/1,200 AGL up to, but not including, 10,000 feet MSL.
Memory trick: Echo's lower air: 3-5-1-2