What is the minimum horizontal distance from clouds required for VFR flight operations below 1200 ft AGL?

For Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight operations below 1200 feet AGL (Above Ground Level), the regulations require a minimum horizontal distance of 2000 feet from clouds. This distance is crucial for maintaining visual reference and safety while flying. The purpose of this regulation is to ensure that pilots have sufficient visibility and can avoid entering clouds, where flight visibility is typically reduced and where pilots may lose visual reference with the ground and other aircraft. Maintaining a 2000-foot distance helps to prevent potential obstacles and allows pilots to navigate safely in clear airspace.

This requirement allows for a broader safety margin for pilots flying at lower altitudes, where terrain features and obstacles may pose additional hazards. It is important for pilots to adhere to these regulations to ensure they can react appropriately to changing conditions in the airspace around them.