FAR 91.515 — Flight Altitude Rules
FAR 91.515 sets minimum VFR flight altitudes for large and turbine-powered multiengine airplanes, including 1,000-foot day minimums and night IFR altitudes.
In Plain English
FAR 91.515 sets minimum flight altitudes for large and turbine-powered multiengine airplanes operating under VFR. It overrides the general minimum safe altitude rule in §91.119 with stricter limits.
Under VFR, you may not operate below:
- Day operations: 1,000 feet above the surface, or 1,000 feet from any mountain, hill, or other obstruction to flight.
- Night operations: the altitudes prescribed in §91.177 (the IFR minimum altitude rules).
These minimums do not apply:
- During takeoff or landing;
- When a different altitude is authorized by waiver under subpart J; or
- When the flight is conducted under special VFR minimums of §91.157 with an appropriate ATC clearance.
Why it matters: large and turbine aircraft carry more energy, descend faster, and operate at higher speeds, so the FAA requires a larger buffer above terrain and obstacles than for small piston aircraft. Knowing this rule is essential for pilots transitioning to turbine equipment.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.515§ 91.515 Flight altitude rules.
(a) Notwithstanding § 91.119, and except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate an airplane under VFR at less than—
(1) One thousand feet above the surface, or 1,000 feet from any mountain, hill, or other obstruction to flight, for day operations; and
(2) The altitudes prescribed in § 91.177, for night operations.
(b) This section does not apply—
(1) During takeoff or landing;
(2) When a different altitude is authorized by a waiver to this section under subpart J of this part; or
(3) When a flight is conducted under the special VFR weather minimums of § 91.157 with an appropriate clearance from ATC.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What are the minimum VFR flight altitudes for a large or turbine-powered multiengine airplane during the day?
Per FAR 91.515, no lower than 1,000 feet above the surface, or 1,000 feet from any mountain, hill, or other obstruction to flight.
Q2What altitude rule applies at night under VFR for these airplanes?
FAR 91.515(a)(2) requires you to use the altitudes prescribed in §91.177, which are the IFR minimum altitude rules.
Q3When do the minimums of 91.515 not apply?
FAR 91.515(b) states they do not apply during takeoff or landing, when a waiver under subpart J authorizes a different altitude, or when operating under special VFR per §91.157 with an appropriate ATC clearance.
Studying for a checkride?
Related Sections in Part 91