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For an airplane under special VFR, what minimum flight visibility and cloud clearance apply?

At least 1 statute mile and clear of clouds.

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  1. 1 mile and clear of clouds ✔
  2. 2 miles and 500 feet below
  3. 3 miles and clear of clouds

Why: Except for helicopters, special VFR requires at least 1 statute mile of flight visibility. The aircraft must remain clear of clouds and have an ATC clearance.

Huh, didn't know that: These special VFR requirements apply below 10,000 feet MSL in qualifying surface airspace.

The dad joke
Special VFR brought a ruler because every mile mattered.
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References

Answer: 1 mile and clear of clouds. Except for helicopters, special VFR requires at least 1 statute mile of flight visibility. The aircraft must remain clear of clouds and have an ATC clearance.

  1. FAA Aeronautical Information Publication, ENR 1.1 General Rules www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aip_html/part2_enr_section_1.1.html
    All special VFR flights must remain clear of clouds.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. FAA Aeronautical Information Publication, ENR 1.1 General Rules www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aip_html/part2_enr_section_1.1.html
    At least one statute mile flight visibility for operations within Classes B, C, D, and E surface areas.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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