During operations outside controlled airspace, above 1,200 feet AGL but below 10,000 feet MSL, what is the minimum distance below clouds for VFR flight at night?

During operations outside controlled airspace, above 1,200 feet AGL but below 10,000 feet MSL, what is the minimum distance below clouds for VFR flight at night?

• A. 500 feet
• B. 1,000 feet
• C. 0 feet
• D. 2,000 feet

Answer: (A)

In this part of airspace, at night, the VFR weather minimums specify you must stay a certain distance from clouds: you need to remain 1,000 feet above the clouds, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally, with at least 3 statute miles of visibility. The minimum distance below clouds is 500 feet, which means you can’t descend closer than 500 feet below any cloud layer. Being 0 feet below would put you inside or touching the cloud, which is not permitted for VFR. Being 1,000 or 2,000 feet below goes beyond the required clearance, so 500 feet is the correct, minimum distance.

In this part of airspace, at night, the VFR weather minimums specify you must stay a certain distance from clouds: you need to remain 1,000 feet above the clouds, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally, with at least 3 statute miles of visibility. The minimum distance below clouds is 500 feet, which means you can’t descend closer than 500 feet below any cloud layer. Being 0 feet below would put you inside or touching the cloud, which is not permitted for VFR. Being 1,000 or 2,000 feet below goes beyond the required clearance, so 500 feet is the correct, minimum distance.