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VFR Weather Minimums

AIM ¶ 3-3-2 — VFR Weather Minimums

AIM 3-3-2 explains VFR flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements under 14 CFR 91.155 — key knowledge for written tests and checkrides.

In Plain English

AIM paragraph 3-3-2 reminds pilots that VFR rules exist to help you meet your see-and-avoid responsibility. When you're flying under Visual Flight Rules, you're the primary means of separation from other aircraft, so the regulations set minimums for how clearly you must be able to see outside the cockpit.

Key points from this paragraph:

  • VFR rules support see-and-avoid. The pilot remains responsible for spotting and avoiding other traffic, even when receiving ATC services.
  • Minimum flight visibility and distance from clouds for VFR are not in the AIM itself — they live in 14 CFR § 91.155 (the regulation).
  • The AIM references TBL 3-1-1, which summarizes those minimums by airspace class and altitude.

Operationally, this means before any VFR flight you should confirm the visibility and cloud clearance required for the airspace and altitudes you'll be operating in. Flying into conditions below those minimums isn't just unsafe — it's a regulatory violation under Part 91 and a common checkride discussion item.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 3-3-2
3-3-2. 3-3-2. VFR Requirements Rules governing VFR flight have been adopted to assist the pilot in meeting the responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft. Minimum flight visibility and distance from clouds required for VFR flight are contained in 14 CFR section 91.155. (See TBL 3-1-1 .)
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Why do VFR weather minimums exist?
Per AIM 3-3-2, VFR rules were adopted to help the pilot meet the responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft. Adequate visibility and cloud clearance allow pilots to visually separate themselves from traffic.
Q2Where are the specific VFR flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements found?
Per AIM 3-3-2, the minimum flight visibility and distance from clouds for VFR flight are contained in 14 CFR section 91.155, and the AIM summarizes them in TBL 3-1-1.
Q3Is the AIM itself the regulatory source for VFR minimums?
No. AIM 3-3-2 is informational and points to 14 CFR § 91.155 as the regulatory source. The AIM provides guidance and references, but the legal requirements come from the CFR.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 3
3-3-1
Class G Airspace
3-3-3
IFR Altitude Requirements
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AIM 3-3-2 — VFR Weather Minimums