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.
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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. They are easy to read and remember on an altimeter.
The maximum height that a commercial airplane is allowed to reach when they fly is 42,000 feet, as this is the universally approved maximum altitude. This max altitude for airplanes is known as the “service ceiling.” Most commercial air jets fly at such a high altitude because it is known to optimize efficiency.
In some countries, VFR flight is permitted at night, and is known as night VFR. This is generally permitted only under more restrictive conditions, such as maintaining minimum safe altitudes, and may require additional training as a pilot at night may not be able to see and avoid obstacles.
No person may operate an airplane over-the-top or at night under VFR unless that airplane is equipped with the instruments and equipment required for IFR operations under § 91.205(d) and one electric landing light for night operations. Each required instrument and item of equipment must be in operable condition.
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.
Two challenge rule:If the pilot does not respond to two demands (i.e. wave-off, wave-off!) take the controls. Avoid the sandbag syndrome and speak up when necessary.
IFR requires a ceiling less than 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) and/or visibility of fewer than three miles. VFR requires a ceiling greater than 3,000 feet AGL and visibility that's greater than five miles.
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.
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.
An aircraft must maintain 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.
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. (This is not the same as “VFR-on-top,” which is actually a type of IFR clearance.) You can't see the ground, but GPS makes it easy to know where you are.
The pilot can sleep for no more than 40 minutes, and must wake up at least half an hour before the descent for landing. They get the first 15 minutes after the nap to fully awaken, during which they can't resume actually flying the plane, unless they need to help deal with an emergency.
Many airlines provide crew rest areas on their aircraft, where pilots can sleep during long-haul flights. These areas are usually located in the tail, cargo area or above the cabin of the plane and are designed to be as quiet and comfortable as possible. Other crew members prefer to use business class seats to rest.
As a general answer, flights at altitudes at and above 18,000 feet (5.49 km) above mean sea level require flight plans. Nevertheless, for flights at lower altitudes in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace, the need for a flight plan is not mandatory across most of the airspace in the United States.