Basic VFR Weather Minimums

AIM ¶ 3-1-4 — Basic VFR Weather Minimums

AIM 3-1-4: Basic VFR weather minimums by airspace class. Visibility, cloud clearance, and ceiling rules every student pilot must memorize for checkride.

In Plain English

AIM 3-1-4 outlines the basic VFR weather minimums you must meet to legally fly under Visual Flight Rules. Both flight visibility and distance from clouds vary by class of airspace and altitude (see Table 3-1-1).

Key takeaways:

Class B: 3 SM visibility, clear of clouds.
Class C, D, and E (below 10,000 MSL): 3 SM visibility, 500 below / 1,000 above / 2,000 horizontal from clouds (the "3-152" rule).
Class E at or above 10,000 MSL: 5 SM, 1,000 below / 1,000 above / 1 SM horizontal.
Class G depends on day/night and altitude — as low as 1 SM and clear of clouds by day at or below 1,200 AGL.
Class A: VFR not permitted.

Additionally, you may not fly VFR beneath the ceiling within the lateral boundaries of controlled airspace designated to the surface (Class B/C/D/E surface area) when the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet, unless operating under a Special VFR clearance per 14 CFR 91.157. Student pilots also have stricter limits under 14 CFR 61.89.

This matters operationally: before any VFR flight, check current and forecast weather to ensure the entire route meets these minimums — busting them is a common cause of violations and fatal accidents.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 3-1-4

3-1-4. 3-1-4. Basic VFR Weather Minimums No person may operate an aircraft under basic VFR when the flight visibility is less, or at a distance from clouds that is less, than that prescribed for the corresponding altitude and class of airspace. (See TBL 3-1-1 .) NOTE- Student pilots must comply with 14 CFR section 61.89(a) (6) and (7). Except as provided in 14 CFR section 91.157, Special VFR Weather Minimums, no person may operate an aircraft beneath the ceiling under VFR within the lateral boundaries of controlled airspace designated to the surface for an airport when the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet. (See 14 CFR section 91.155(c).) TBL 3-1-1 Basic VFR Weather Minimums Airspace Flight Visibility Distance from Clouds Class A Not Applicable Not Applicable Class B 3 statute miles Clear of Clouds Class C 3 statute miles 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal Class D 3 statute miles 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal Class E Less than 10,000 feet MSL 3 statute miles 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal At or above 10,000 feet MSL 5 statute miles 1,000 feet below 1,000 feet above 1 statute mile horizontal Class G 1,200 feet or less above the surface (regardless of MSL altitude). For aircraft other than helicopters: Day, except as provided in §91.155(b) 1 statute mile Clear of clouds Night, except as provided in §91.155(b) 3 statute miles 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal For helicopters: Day ½ statute mile Clear of clouds Night, except as provided in §91.155(b) 1 statute mile Clear of clouds More than 1,200 feet above the surface but less than 10,000 feet MSL. Day 1 statute mile 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal Night 3 statute miles 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal More than 1,200 feet above the surface and at or above 10,000 feet MSL. 5 statute miles 1,000 feet below 1,000 feet above 1 statute mile horizontal

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What are the basic VFR weather minimums in Class D airspace?

Per AIM 3-1-4, Table 3-1-1, Class D requires 3 statute miles flight visibility and cloud clearance of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal.

Q2How do VFR cloud clearance requirements change at or above 10,000 feet MSL?

Per AIM 3-1-4, at or above 10,000 MSL (in Class E or Class G more than 1,200 AGL), you need 5 SM visibility and 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.

Q3Can you operate VFR beneath a 900-foot ceiling within Class D airspace?

Per AIM 3-1-4 and 14 CFR 91.155(c), no — you may not operate VFR beneath the ceiling within controlled airspace designated to the surface when the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet, unless you obtain a Special VFR clearance under 14 CFR 91.157.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 3

¶ 3-1-1

Airspace Categories and Types

¶ 3-1-2

Airspace Dimensions Reference

¶ 3-1-3

Overlapping Airspace Hierarchy

¶ 3-1-5

VFR Cruising Altitudes

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