How low can I fly VFR?


How low can I fly VFR? An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.


Can you fly below 1000 feet?

The Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 91.119 indicates that, except when necessary for departure or landing, the minimum altitude over urban areas is 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) and 500 feet AGL over rural areas.


What is the minimum ceiling for solo flight?

Weather minimums for the day of the initial solo are as follows: Visibility-5 statute miles, Ceiling 3000 ft. AGL minimum, Wind-not more than 10 knots total wind and no more than 7 knots crosswind or as indicated on the solo endorsement, whichever is more restrictive.


Can you fly VFR on top of clouds?

Since the regs list a minimum distance above clouds obviously VFR flights are allowed to fly over clouds. However, it's not clear what kind of clouds one can fly over: only individual smaller clouds, a broken layer or a solid layer.


How high can you fly without a flight plan?

As a general answer, flights at altitudes at and above 18,000 feet (5.49 km) above mean sea level require flight plans. Nevertheless, for flights at lower altitudes in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace, the need for a flight plan is not mandatory across most of the airspace in the United States.


Can you fly VFR at 3000 feet?

The VFR Cruising Altitude rule does not apply below 3,000 feet AGL. There are some altitudes, however, that pilots seem to choose for level flight. Close to sea level they are 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500. They are easy to read and remember on an altimeter.


Can you fly at night with VFR?

Prudent pilots typically set higher weather minimums for night VFR flights. FAR 91.157—In order to get a Special VFR clearance at night, you must have an instrument rating, an instrument-equipped airplane, 1 mile visibility, be able to remain clear of clouds, and a Special VFR clearance from air traffic control.


How do I report aircraft flying too low?

Do your part, report such flying to the FAA. For more information, you can write to the Federal Aviation Administration, General Aviation and Commercial Division, Operations Branch, AFS-820, 800 Independence Ave., SW, Washington DC 20591. The telephone number is 202-267-8212.


What are minimum VFR conditions?

One mile visibility and clear of clouds is the daytime requirement. At night, requirements jump to three miles visibility and from merely clear of clouds to 500 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontal, and 1,000 feet above clouds. Some identify it as G for general aviation.


Is it legal to fly VFR at night?

No person may operate an airplane over-the-top or at night under VFR unless that airplane is equipped with the instruments and equipment required for IFR operations under § 91.205(d) and one electric landing light for night operations. Each required instrument and item of equipment must be in operable condition.


What is VFR Squawk code?

“Squawk VFR” or “Squawk 1200 When in Class G or E airspace, they can operate independently without contacting anyone. In these cases, if the plane has a transponder, they set it to the standard VFR code, which is 1200.


What is the 1000ft rule in aviation?

1000 ft rule. An aircraft must maintain an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons.