FAA Ground School Practice Test

During operations within controlled airspace, what is the minimum altitude above clouds requirement for VFR flight between 1200 ft AGL and 10,000 ft MSL?

1. 500 ft

2. 1000 ft

3. 1500 ft

4. 2000 ft

The correct answer is: 1000 ft

The minimum altitude above clouds requirement for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight in controlled airspace between 1200 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) and 10,000 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level) is set at 1,000 feet. This regulation is in place to ensure that pilots maintain adequate vertical separation from cloud cover, which is crucial for visual navigation and safety. When flying under VFR, pilots must be able to see and avoid other aircraft as well as obstacles on the ground. By staying at least 1,000 feet above clouds, pilots are afforded a better chance of visual reference to maintain safe navigation and avoid potential hazards. This altitude also helps to minimize the risk of becoming disoriented in cloud cover, where visibility can drop significantly. This requirement is part of the broader regulations designed to ensure that VFR pilots are operating safely within controlled airspace, where there are often higher density traffic patterns and more stringent operating rules.