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Below 10,000 feet MSL in Class C, D or E airspace, what VFR cloud clearance applies?

500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal.

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  1. 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal ✔
  2. Clear of clouds
  3. 1,000 below, 1,000 above, 1 mile horizontal

Why: Rule 91.155 gives Class C, D, and E below 10,000 MSL the classic 500, 1,000, 2,000 cloud clearance with 3 miles visibility. The bigger 1,000 and 1 mile numbers apply at and above 10,000 MSL.

Huh, didn't know that: Class G more than 1,200 feet AGL and below 10,000 feet MSL uses the same 500, 1,000, 2,000 clearances, day and night.

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What do clouds wear under their shorts? Thunderwear.
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References

Answer: 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal. Rule 91.155 gives Class C, D, and E below 10,000 MSL the classic 500, 1,000, 2,000 cloud clearance with 3 miles visibility. The bigger 1,000 and 1 mile numbers apply at and above 10,000 MSL.

  1. FAA Basic VFR Weather Minimums: Class C www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aip_html/chap3_section_1.html
    Class C | 3 statute miles | 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. FAA Basic VFR Weather Minimums: Class D www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aip_html/chap3_section_1.html
    Class D | 3 statute miles | 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  3. FAA Basic VFR Weather Minimums: Class E www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aip_html/chap3_section_1.html
    Class E Less than 10,000 feet MSL | 3 statute miles | 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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