During operations within controlled airspace at altitudes of more than 1200 feet AGL, but less than 10,000 feet MSL, the minimum distance above clouds requirement for VFR flight is

During operations within controlled airspace at altitudes of more than 1200 feet AGL, but less than 10,000 feet MSL, the minimum distance above clouds requirement for VFR flight is

• A. 0 feet
• B. 500 feet
• C. 1000 feet
• D. 2000 feet

Answer: (C)

In controlled airspace below 10,000 feet MSL, VFR flight must stay a safe vertical distance away from cloud layers, plus have adequate visibility. The required cloud clearance includes 1000 feet of vertical separation above the clouds, 500 feet below, and 2000 feet of horizontal separation, with a minimum of 3 miles visibility. This 1000-foot buffer above clouds gives you time to see and avoid clouds and other traffic and keeps you from entering cloud decks in that airspace. So, the minimum distance above clouds for this scenario is 1000 feet. Choosing 0 feet would place you in contact with the clouds, 500 feet below is not enough vertical separation, and 2000 feet above is more than the minimum required but not the required lower limit.

In controlled airspace below 10,000 feet MSL, VFR flight must stay a safe vertical distance away from cloud layers, plus have adequate visibility. The required cloud clearance includes 1000 feet of vertical separation above the clouds, 500 feet below, and 2000 feet of horizontal separation, with a minimum of 3 miles visibility. This 1000-foot buffer above clouds gives you time to see and avoid clouds and other traffic and keeps you from entering cloud decks in that airspace. So, the minimum distance above clouds for this scenario is 1000 feet. Choosing 0 feet would place you in contact with the clouds, 500 feet below is not enough vertical separation, and 2000 feet above is more than the minimum required but not the required lower limit.