Ultralight VFR Minimums

FAR 103.23 — Ultralight VFR Minimums

FAR 103.23 sets flight visibility and cloud clearance minimums for ultralight vehicles by airspace class, plus when ATC authorization is required.

In Plain English

FAR 103.23 sets the minimum flight visibility and distance from clouds an ultralight pilot must have, depending on the airspace they're flying in. It also reminds you that operating in Class A, B, C, or D airspace, or in Class E airspace designated for an airport, requires prior ATC authorization under § 103.17.

Key minimums by airspace:

Class A: Not applicable — ultralights cannot operate here.
Class B: 3 SM visibility, clear of clouds.
Class C and D: 3 SM visibility; 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds.
Class E (below 10,000 ft MSL): 3 SM; 500-1,000-2,000 from clouds.
Class E (at or above 10,000 ft MSL): 5 SM; 1,000 below, 1,000 above, 1 SM horizontal.
Class G, ≤1,200 ft AGL: 1 SM, clear of clouds.
Class G, >1,200 ft AGL but <10,000 ft MSL: 1 SM; 500-1,000-2,000.
Class G, >1,200 ft AGL and ≥10,000 ft MSL: 5 SM; 1,000-1,000-1 SM.

This matters because ultralights have no instruments and limited performance — these minimums keep you visually clear of traffic and terrain.

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Regulation Text

14 CFR § 103.23

§ 103.23 Flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements. No person may operate an ultralight vehicle when the flight visibility or distance from clouds is less than that in the table found below. All operations in Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D airspace or Class E airspace designated for an airport must receive prior ATC authorization as required in § 103.17 of this part. [Amdt. 103-17, 56 FR 65662, Dec. 17, 1991] 1,000 feet below.1,000 feet above.1 statute mile horizontal. 5 statute miles More than 1,200 feet above the surface and at or above 10,000 feet MSL 500 feet below.1,000 feet above.2,000 feet horizontal. 1 statute mile More than 1,200 feet above the surface but less than 10,000 feet MSL Clear of clouds. 1 statute mile 1,200 feet or less above the surface (regardless of MSL altitude) Class G: 1,000 feet below.1,000 feet above.1 statute mile horizontal. 5 statute miles At or above 10,000 feet MSL 500 feet below.1,000 feet above.2,000 feet horizontal. 3 statute miles Less than 10,000 feet MSL Class E: 500 feet below.1,000 feet above.2,000 feet horizontal. 3 statute miles Class D 500 feet below.1,000 feet above.2,000 feet horizontal. 3 statute miles Class C Clear of Clouds. 3 statute miles Class B Not Applicable. Not applicable Class A Distance from clouds Flight visibility Airspace

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You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What are the visibility and cloud clearance requirements for operating an ultralight in Class G airspace at 1,000 feet AGL?

Per FAR 103.23, at 1,200 feet or less above the surface in Class G, you need 1 statute mile flight visibility and must remain clear of clouds.

Q2Can you operate an ultralight in Class B airspace, and if so, what are the weather minimums?

Yes, but only with prior ATC authorization as required by FAR 103.17. Under FAR 103.23, Class B requires 3 statute miles flight visibility and remaining clear of clouds.

Q3What visibility and cloud clearance are required for an ultralight flight in Class E airspace at 11,000 feet MSL?

FAR 103.23 requires 5 statute miles flight visibility and cloud clearance of 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 statute mile horizontal at or above 10,000 feet MSL in Class E.

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Related Sections in Part 103

§ 103.1

Ultralight Vehicle Applicability

§ 103.11

Ultralight Daylight Operations