To fly under visual flight rules you must meet minimum visibility and cloud-clearance requirements that change with the airspace and your altitude. Here is a clear table and the logic behind it.
Part of our Airspace and Weather guide. These minimums build on the airspace classes.
Why the minimums exist
VFR flight relies on seeing and avoiding other aircraft and terrain. The minimums ensure you have enough visibility and enough distance from clouds, where IFR traffic may emerge, to do that safely. More congested or higher-altitude airspace generally requires more.
The minimums table
| Airspace | Visibility | Cloud clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Class B | 3 statute miles | Clear of clouds |
| Class C and D | 3 statute miles | 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal |
| Class E below 10,000 MSL | 3 statute miles | 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal |
| Class E at or above 10,000 MSL | 5 statute miles | 1,000 below, 1,000 above, 1 statute mile horizontal |
| Class G below 1,200 AGL (day) | 1 statute mile | Clear of clouds |
| Class G below 1,200 AGL (night) | 3 statute miles | 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal |
| Class G above 1,200 AGL but below 10,000 MSL (day) | 1 statute mile | 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal |
| Class G above 1,200 AGL but below 10,000 MSL (night) | 3 statute miles | 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal |
| Class G above 1,200 AGL and at or above 10,000 MSL | 5 statute miles | 1,000 below, 1,000 above, 1 statute mile horizontal |
Note that the Class G night minimums do not apply within a half mile of a runway when in the traffic pattern; there the day “1 statute mile, clear of clouds” still applies. Always confirm the current rule for your exact situation.
A memory aid
For most controlled airspace below 10,000 feet, remember 3-152: 3 miles visibility, 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal. Class B is the simple exception: 3 miles and just clear of clouds, because ATC is separating everyone.
Special VFR
In some controlled airspace at or near an airport, you can request a Special VFR clearance to operate with as little as 1 mile visibility and clear of clouds. It is a tool for specific situations, not a routine practice, and it is not available everywhere.
What you'll need
Regulations references from PilotMall.com.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 3-152 rule?
A memory aid for most controlled airspace below 10,000 feet: 3 statute miles visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 above, and 2,000 horizontal cloud clearance.
What are the Class B minimums?
3 statute miles visibility and clear of clouds, since ATC separates traffic within Class B.
What is Special VFR?
A clearance that lets you operate in certain controlled airspace with reduced minimums, as low as 1 mile and clear of clouds, when requested and available.