In Class G airspace during VFR, what minimum distance from clouds should you maintain when flying more than 1,200 feet AGL and less than 10,000 feet MSL?

In Class G airspace during VFR, what minimum distance from clouds should you maintain when flying more than 1,200 feet AGL and less than 10,000 feet MSL?

• A. 500 ft below, 1000 ft above, 2 miles horizontal
• B. 1000 ft below, 1000 ft above, 1 mile horizontal
• C. 1000 ft above, 500 ft below, 3 miles horizontal
• D. 2000 ft below, 1000 ft above, 1 mile horizontal

Answer: (B)

In VFR flight in Class G between 1,200 feet AGL and 10,000 feet MSL, you must keep a safe distance from any cloud. The standard minimum is 1,000 feet of vertical separation above and below the cloud, and at least 1 mile of horizontal separation from the cloud. This arrangement provides a cushion to stay out of cloud and maintain good visual reference, while you’re not in controlled airspace. That’s why the correct choice uses 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, and 1 mile horizontally. The other options propose distances that are either too close vertically, too far, or the wrong horizontal spacing, which don’t meet the established VFR cloud clearance for this altitude band.

In VFR flight in Class G between 1,200 feet AGL and 10,000 feet MSL, you must keep a safe distance from any cloud. The standard minimum is 1,000 feet of vertical separation above and below the cloud, and at least 1 mile of horizontal separation from the cloud. This arrangement provides a cushion to stay out of cloud and maintain good visual reference, while you’re not in controlled airspace.

That’s why the correct choice uses 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, and 1 mile horizontally. The other options propose distances that are either too close vertically, too far, or the wrong horizontal spacing, which don’t meet the established VFR cloud clearance for this altitude band.