FAA Ground School Practice Test

What minimum flight visibility is required for VFR operations on an airway below 10,000 feet MSL?

1. 2 miles

2. 3 miles

3. 4 miles

4. 5 miles

The correct answer is: 3 miles

For Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations on an airway below 10,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), the minimum flight visibility required is indeed 3 miles. This requirement is established by federal aviation regulations, which stipulate visibility standards to ensure that pilots can maintain adequate visual references to fly safely. The reason 3 miles is specified is rooted in the need for sufficient visual contact with the terrain and other aircraft, allowing pilots to navigate effectively and execute safe maneuvers. This visibility minimum promotes safety by allowing pilots to see and avoid obstacles, other traffic, and changing weather conditions. Having a visibility requirement that balances safety and practical operation helps to maintain a standard operating procedure across airspaces where VFR operations are conducted, particularly in the busy air traffic conditions often found below 10,000 feet.