FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsMedium
A pilot is conducting a VFR flight in Class G airspace at 5,500 feet MSL during the day. The flight is over an area where the surface elevation is 1,500 feet MSL. What are the minimum flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements?
- A5 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, and 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.
- B1 statute mile visibility, 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
- C1 statute mile visibility, clear of clouds.
- D3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
In Class G airspace above 1,200 feet AGL but below 10,000 feet MSL during the day, the minimum VFR weather requirements are 3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds. The flight is at 5,500 feet MSL, which is 4,000 feet AGL (5,500 MSL - 1,500 surface elevation).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This option describes Class E VFR minimums at or above 10,000 feet MSL, or Class G at or above 10,000 feet MSL, which is not applicable.
- B. This option incorrectly states 1 statute mile visibility; 3 SM is required.
- C. This option describes Class G VFR minimums below 1,200 feet AGL during the day, not applicable here.
Class G VFR Minimums (Day, Above 1,200' AGL, Below 10,000' MSL)
For VFR flight in Class G airspace during the day, above 1,200 feet AGL but 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 G airspace above 1,200 feet AGL up to, but not including, 10,000 feet MSL.
Memory trick: Golfers need a clear view, 3 miles and around the clouds.