What are the basic VFR cloud clearance requirements in Class C, D, and Class E below 10,000 feet MSL?

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