FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)RegulationsMedium
A private pilot is planning a VFR flight from a non-towered airport located within Class E airspace to another non-towered airport also located within Class E airspace. The pilot intends to cruise at 6,500 feet MSL. What are the minimum flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements for this flight?
- A3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.
- B1 statute mile visibility, clear of clouds.
- C5 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.
- D3 statute miles visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 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 less than 10,000 feet MSL, the minimum visibility is 3 SM with cloud clearances of 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal. The question specifies a cruising altitude of 6,500 feet MSL, which falls under this category.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This option describes Class G airspace requirements below 1,200 feet AGL during the day, not Class E.
- C. This option incorrectly states 5 SM visibility and 1 SM horizontal, which is not applicable to Class E below 10,000 MSL.
- D. This option incorrectly states 2,000 feet horizontal and 1,000 feet above, and 500 feet below, which is partially correct for some aspects but not fully aligned with the horizontal requirement.
Class E VFR Weather Minimums (Below 10,000 MSL)
For VFR flight in Class E airspace at altitudes below 10,000 feet MSL, specific minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements must be met to ensure safe visual flight.
- Minimum visibility is 3 statute miles.
- Must be 1,000 feet above clouds.
- Must be 500 feet below clouds.
- Must be 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
Memory trick: Easy 3-152 for Echo