FAA Ground School Practice Test

What visibility and cloud clearance must a pilot maintain while operating under special VFR in Class D airspace?

1. 1 mile visibility and clear of clouds

2. 2 miles visibility and 500 ft from clouds

3. 3 miles visibility and 1,000 ft from clouds

4. 1 mile visibility and 1,000 ft from clouds

The correct answer is: 1 mile visibility and clear of clouds

When operating under Special VFR in Class D airspace, the requirements stipulate that the pilot must maintain a visibility of at least 1 statute mile and must remain clear of clouds. This is crucial for ensuring safety in this type of airspace, as it allows the pilot to have sufficient visual reference for navigation and to see and avoid other aircraft. This requirement is designed to enhance situational awareness and decrease the risk of collision, especially in busy airspace where visual separation from other aircraft is essential. Clear of clouds means that pilots should ensure they are not flying through cloud cover, facilitating better visibility of the surrounding environment and ensuring they can react effectively to any potential hazards. The other options suggest different visibility and cloud clearance requirements that do not align with the specific regulations for Special VFR in Class D. For instance, the presence of cloud clearance requirements necessitating distance from clouds or greater visibility are not applicable in this scenario. Hence, understanding the correct specifications is key for pilots when preparing for operations in controlled airspace under Special VFR conditions.