What VFR visibility requirement applies in Class B airspace?
Answer
In Class B airspace, the VFR weather minimum is 3 statute miles flight visibility and clear of clouds. This is the only class where 'clear of clouds' (not a specific cloud clearance) is the standard, reflecting the radar separation services provided.
AIM 3-1-4
Read the full regulation — AIM 3-1-4
3-1-4. Basic VFR Weather Minimums a. No person may operate an aircraft under basic VFR when the flight visibility is less, or at a distance from clouds that is less, than that prescribed for the corresponding altitude and class of airspace. (See TBL 3-1-1.) NOTE- Student pilots must comply with 14 CFR section 61.89(a) (6) and (7). b. Except as provided in 14 CFR section 91.157, Special VFR Weather Minimums, no person may operate an aircraft beneath the ceiling under VFR within the lateral boundaries of controlled airspace designated to the surface for an airport when the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet. (See 14 CFR section 91.155(c).) TBL 3-1-1 Basic VFR Weather Minimums Airspace Flight Visibility Distance from Clouds Class A ........................................ Not Applicable Not Applicable Class B ........................................ 3 statute miles Clear of Clouds Class C ........................................ 3 statute miles 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal Class D ........................................ 3 statute miles 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal Class E Less than 10,000 feet MSL ........................ 3 statute miles 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal At or above 10,000 feet MSL ...................... 5 statute miles 1,000 feet below 1,000 feet above 1 statute mile horizontal Class G 1,200 feet or less above the surface (regardless of MSL altitude). For aircraft other than helicopters: Day, except as provided in §91.155(b) ............... 1 statute mile Clear of clouds Night, except as provided in §91.155(b) .............. For helicopters: 3 statute miles 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal D a y ........................................... ½ statute mile Clear of clouds Night, except as provided in §91.155(b) .............. More than 1,200 feet above the surface but less than 10,000 feet MSL. 1 statute mile Clear of clouds D a y ........................................... 1 statute mile 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal Night ......................................... 3 statute miles 500 feet below 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet horizontal More than 1,200 feet above the surface and at or above 10,000 feet MSL. ................................ 5 statute miles 1,000 feet below 1,000 feet above 1 statute mile horizontal General3-1-2 2/20/25 AIM
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