Private Pilot Private Exam

VFR flight in controlled airspace at altitudes between 1,200 feet AGL and 10,000 feet MSL requires a minimum visibility of...

1. 1 mile, and 500 feet below or 1,000 feet above clouds

2. 3 miles, and 500 feet below or 1,000 feet above clouds

3. 5 miles, and 1,000 feet below clouds

4. 2 miles, and 1,500 feet below clouds

The correct answer is: 3 miles, and 500 feet below or 1,000 feet above clouds

For VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight in controlled airspace, the visibility and cloud clearance requirements are crucial to ensure safe operations. The correct choice specifies that a minimum visibility of 3 statute miles is required, along with a requirement to remain 500 feet below and 1,000 feet above clouds. This regulation aims to keep pilots in a position where they can maintain visual separation from other aircraft and obstacles while also ensuring they have an adequate view of the environment outside their cockpit. The visibility ensures that pilots can see and avoid other traffic, terrain, and potential hazards. The cloud clearance requirements help to avoid disorientation and maintain situational awareness by keeping the aircraft a safe distance from the clouds. In this context, these visibility and cloud clearance criteria are based on the FAA's regulations regarding VFR flight in controlled airspace, which are designed to promote safety and reduce the risk of mid-air collisions.