FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the minimum distance from clouds required for VFR flight at night, outside controlled airspace and at altitudes more than 1,200 ft AGL but less than 10,000 ft MSL?

1. 1,000 ft

2. 500 ft

3. 2,000 ft

4. 3,000 ft

The correct answer is: 500 ft

For VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight at night outside controlled airspace and at altitudes between 1,200 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) and 10,000 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level), the regulations stipulate a minimum distance from clouds of 500 feet vertically and 2,000 feet horizontally. In this question, the focus is on the vertical distance from clouds while flying at night in the specified conditions. The requirement is specifically designed to ensure that pilots maintain adequate visibility and a safe distance to avoid potential hazards associated with flying near clouds, such as turbulence or reduced visibility. The choice indicating 500 feet reflects this vertical distance requirement. Maintaining this clearance is crucial for pilot safety, ensuring that sufficient visual references remain available during nighttime operations when visibility can be diminished.