Basic VFR Minimums

Question 1

How do you define VFR, MVFR, IFR, and LIFR?

Answer 1

VFR: > 5 sm visibility and ceilings > 3,000’
MVFR: 3 - 5 sm and 1,000’ – 3,000’
IFR: 1 - 3 sm and 500’ – 1,000’
LIFR: < 1 sm and < 500’

Question 2

What are the standards for VFR minimums?

Answer 2

Above 10,000’ MSL:
- 5 F111’s
- 5 sm visibility, 1,000’ above, 1,000’ below, 1 sm horizontal
Below 10,000’ MSL:
- 3 152’s
- 3 sm visibility, 1,000’ above, 500’ below, 2,000’ horizontal
At night:
- 3 152’s
- 3 sm visibility, 1,000’ above, 500’ below, 2,000’ horizontal

Question 3

Class Alpha VFR minimums

Answer 3

No VFR minimums because no VFR flight is allowed, IFR only

Question 4

Class Bravo VFR minimums

Answer 4

3 sm visibility
Clear of clouds
1,000’ ceiling required in surface area
- ATC maintains separation of all aircraft so distance from clouds minimums are below the standard

Question 5

Class Charlie VFR minimums

Answer 5

Standard VFR minimums, three 152’s
- 3 sm
- 1,000' above
- 500' below
- 2,000' horizontal
1,000’ ceiling required in surface area

Question 6

Class Delta VFR minimums

Answer 6

Standard VFR minimums, three 152’s
- 3 sm
- 1,000' above
- 500' below
- 2,000' horizontal
1,000’ ceiling required in surface area

Question 7

Class Echo VFR minimums

Answer 7

At or above 10,000’ MSL: the standard, five F111’s
- 5 sm
- 1,000' above
- 1,000' below
- 1 sm horizontal
Below 10,000’ MSL to lowest extremities (1,200’, 700’, surface): Standard VFR minimums, three 152’s
- 3 sm
- 1,000' above
- 500' below
- 2,000' horizontal
1,000’ ceiling required in surface area

Question 8

Class Golf VFR minimums

Answer 8

At or above 10,000’ MSL and 1,200’ AGL: the standard, five F111’s
- 5 sm
- 1,000’ above
- 1,000’ below
- 1 sm horizontal
Below 10,000’ MSL and above 1,200’ AGL
- Day: 1 sm visibility and 152’s for cloud clearance
- 1 sm
- 1,000’ above
- 500’ below
- 2,000’ horizontal
- Night: Standard VFR minimums, three 152’s
- 3 sm
- 1,000’ above
- 500’ below
- 2,000’ horizontal
1,200’ AGL to surface
- Day: 1sm visibility and clear of clouds
- Helicopter: 1/2sm visibility and clear of clouds
- Night: Standard VFR minimums, three 152’s
- 3 sm
- 1,000’ above
- 500’ below
- 2,000’ horizontal
- Helicopter: 1sm visibility and clear of clouds, 1/2sm visibility within 1/2sm of airport or intended landing area

Question 9

What are the requirements for special VFR?

Answer 9

§91.157
SVFR may only be conducted with an ATC clearance and clear of clouds.

All other requirements do not apply to helicopters.