During operations within controlled airspace at altitudes more than 1,200 feet AGL but less than 10,000 feet MSL, the minimum distance above clouds required for VFR flight is

• A. 1,000 feet
• B. 2,000 feet
• C. 500 feet
• D. 1,500 feet

Answer: (A)

In this altitude band inside controlled airspace, the VFR weather minimums require you to stay at least 1,000 feet above any cloud, plus 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds, and have 3 miles of visibility. The reason the distance above clouds is 1,000 feet is to provide a safe vertical buffer from cloud bases so you can maintain visual references and stay clear of instrument meteorological conditions while still operating under visual rules. The other parts—500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontal—are the accompanying cloud clearance requirements, and you must also meet the 3 miles visibility. So the minimum distance above clouds is 1,000 feet.