How high do clouds have to be to fly VFR?

VFR over-the-top can be a very useful tool to get above a cloud layer instead of flying in haze or restricted visibility below the clouds. But remember that you have to come back down at some point. Part 91 specifies cloud clearances below 10,000 feet MSL as 500 feet under, 1000 feet over, and 2000 feet horizontal.



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What Is The Minimum VFR Ceiling? A ceiling is the lowest cloud base height relative to the ground. The minimum VFR ceiling is 3,000 feet AGL (height above ground level), and visibility is more than 5 miles.

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An altimeter setting can be obtained form AWOS/ASOS/ATIS or Flight Service. The VFR Cruising Altitude rule does not apply below 3,000 feet AGL. There are some altitudes, however, that pilots seem to choose for level flight. Close to sea level they are 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500.

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Yes, you can fly VFR over the top of a cloud deck as long as you can maintain 1,000 ft. above the clouds. No clearance is necessary, however you still are flying VFR and must see and avoid other aircraft. The one problem is finding a hole large enough to descent through and still maintain VFR cloud separation.

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An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

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For the altitudes most of us fly, it is simple. In general, when in Class E, D or C, you must remain 500 feet below, 2,000 feet laterally or 1,000 feet above any clouds. This is to allow an IFR aircraft popping out of the clouds sufficient time to see and avoid a VFR aircraft.

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Well, as most of you under the FARs are aware—not to say used to—in the United States it is perfectly legal to fly VFR without any visual contact with the ground. As long as you maintain the minimum VFR requirements regarding visibility and cloud clearances, you are good to go—all you need is a natural horizon.

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VFR aircraft also must maintain a horizontal distance of 1sm from clouds while operating in Class E at and above 10,000ft. Below 10,000ft, the increase in TAS is reduced due to the lower altitudes. Therefore, the minimum forward flight visibility can be reduced from 5sm to 3sm.

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One mile visibility and clear of clouds is the daytime requirement. At night, requirements jump to three miles visibility and from merely clear of clouds to 500 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontal, and 1,000 feet above clouds. Some identify it as G for general aviation.

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