Basic VFR Minimums

Question 1

How do you define VFR, MVFR, IFR, and LIFR?

Answer 1

VFR: > 5 sm visibility and ceilings > 3,000’

MVFR: 3 - 5 sm and 1,000’ – 3,000’

IFR: 1 - 3 sm and 500’ – 1,000’

LIFR: < 1 sm and < 500’

Question 2

Class B VFR minimums

Answer 2

3 sm visibility

Clear of clouds

1,000’ ceiling required in surface area

Question 3

Class C VFR minimums

Answer 3

3 512

• 3 sm
• 500’ below
• 1,000’ above
• 2,000’ horizontal

1,000’ ceiling required in surface area

Question 4

Class D VFR minimums

Answer 4

3 512

• 3 sm
• 500’ below
• 1,000’ above
• 2,000’ horizontal

1,000’ ceiling required in surface area

Question 5

Class E VFR minimums

Answer 5

At or above 10,000’ MSL: 5-111

• 5 sm
• 1,000’ below
• 1,000’ above
• 1 sm horizontal

Below 10,000’ MSL: 3-512

• 3 sm
• 500’ below
• 1,000’ above
• 2,000’ horizontal

1,000’ ceiling required in surface area

Question 6

Class G VFR minimums

Answer 6

1,200 feet or less above the surface (regardless of MSL altitude)

Day - 1/2 sm and clear of clouds

Night - 1 sm and clear of clouds

More than 1,200 feet above the surface but less than 10,000 feet MSL

Day - 1 512

Night - 3 512

More than 1,200 feet above the surface and at or above 10,000 feet MSL

5 111

(b) Class G Airspace. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, the following operations may be conducted in Class G airspace below 1,200 feet above the surface:
(1) A helicopter may be operated clear of clouds in an airport traffic pattern within 1⁄2 mile of the runway or helipad of intended landing if the flight visibility is not less than 1⁄2 statute mile.

Question 7

What are the requirements for special VFR?

Answer 7

§91.157 SVFR may only be conducted with an ATC clearance and clear of clouds.