FAA Ground School Practice Test

What distancing requirement exists for cloud separation during daytime VFR flights above 1,200 ft AGL and below 10,000 ft MSL?

1. 1,000 ft

2. 500 ft

3. 2,000 ft

4. 3,000 ft

The correct answer is: 1,000 ft

During daytime VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flights above 1,200 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) and below 10,000 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level), the requirement for cloud separation is to maintain a distance of 1,000 feet vertically and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds. However, since the question specifies only the vertical distance, the correct answer focuses specifically on the standard that governs the vertical clearance. While the given answer indicates "1,000 ft," it is essential to understand that this vertical separation requirement is crucial for ensuring pilot visibility and maintaining separation from clouds to avoid potential collisions. This vertical distance ensures that pilots flying under VFR can operate safely without flying too close to clouds, which can obstruct visibility and may pose risks during flight. The horizontal separation requirement is, indeed, 2,000 feet, but the question focused on the vertical aspect, which is why the 1,000 ft vertical distance is emphasized here. Understanding these separation standards is critical for VFR operations and maintaining safety in the skies.