FAA Weather Regulations

What are the basic VFR weather minimums in Class G airspace below 1,200 ft AGL during the day?

1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds;

What are the VFR weather minimums in Class E airspace above 10,000 ft MSL?

5 SM visibility, 1,000 ft above, 1,000 ft below, and 1 SM horizontal from clouds;

Can a pilot operate under Special VFR at night?

Only if the pilot is instrument-rated and the aircraft is equipped for IFR;

What is the minimum visibility required for VFR flight in Class B airspace?

3 statute miles and clear of clouds;

When is a pilot required to file an alternate airport under IFR?

If the destination weather is below 2,000 ft ceiling or 3 SM visibility within 1 hour before or after the ETA;

What are TAFs used for in flight planning?

They provide expected weather conditions at airports, used for planning arrivals/departures;

What does a METAR provide?

Surface weather observations including wind, visibility, temperature, dew point, altimeter, and significant weather;

What type of weather conditions are reported in a PIREP?

Real-time in-flight weather conditions such as turbulence, icing, and cloud levels;

How long are TAFs typically valid?

24 to 30 hours depending on the issuing station;

Under what FAR is weather minimums for VFR flight found?

14 CFR §91.155;

What does “Special VFR” allow?

Flight in controlled airspace with lower visibility than standard VFR with ATC clearance;

What is the required visibility for Special VFR?

At least 1 statute mile (except helicopters);

Is Special VFR allowed in Class A airspace?

No, Special VFR is not permitted in Class A airspace;

Can helicopters use Special VFR with less than 1 SM visibility?

Yes, helicopters are exempt from the 1 SM visibility requirement;

What is the minimum visibility for VFR flight in Class C or D airspace?

3 SM visibility, 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds;

When must a pilot adhere to VFR cruising altitudes?

When flying above 3,000 ft AGL under VFR on a cross-country course;

What is the VFR cruising altitude on a magnetic course of 180–359°?

Even thousand plus 500 ft (e.g., 4,500 ft, 6,500 ft);

What is the VFR cruising altitude on a magnetic course of 0–179°?

Odd thousand plus 500 ft (e.g., 3,500 ft, 5,500 ft);

What are the cloud clearance requirements for VFR in Class E below 10,000 ft MSL?

500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal;

What are the VFR weather minimums in Class G above 1,200 ft AGL but below 10,000 ft MSL?

1 SM visibility by day, 3 SM at night; 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal;

What is the VFR visibility requirement in Class G above 10,000 ft MSL?

5 statute miles;

What are the cloud clearance requirements in Class G above 10,000 ft MSL?

1,000 ft above and below, 1 statute mile horizontally;

What is the minimum visibility for VFR in Class E above 10,000 ft MSL?

5 statute miles;

When must a METAR be used in flight planning?

To assess current weather conditions at departure, en route, and destination airports;

What is a SPECI report?

An unscheduled METAR issued when significant weather changes occur;

How often are METARs issued?

Typically once per hour;

How often are TAFs issued?

Every 6 hours (four times daily);

What does "BECMG" in a TAF mean?

A gradual change in conditions is expected;

What does "TEMPO" in a TAF mean?

Temporary fluctuations expected for less than an hour or for less than half of the forecast period;

What does “FM” in a TAF signify?

Rapid change in weather conditions expected at a specific time;

When is an alternate airport required under IFR?

When 1-2-3 rule is not met at the destination airport;

What is the 1-2-3 rule?

If weather is below 2,000 ft ceiling or 3 SM visibility 1 hour before/after ETA, an alternate is required;

What weather is required at the alternate airport?

Ceiling of 600 ft and 2 SM visibility for precision approaches, or 800 ft and 2 SM for non-precision;

What weather sources are approved for preflight planning?

National Weather Service, Flight Service Stations, aviationweather.gov;

What is an AIRMET?

A weather advisory for moderate hazards (e.g., turbulence, icing, IFR conditions);

What is a SIGMET?

A weather advisory for significant hazardous weather (e.g., severe turbulence, dust storms, volcanic ash);

What is a Convective SIGMET?

An advisory for severe thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes;

How often are Convective SIGMETs issued?

Every hour (55 minutes past the hour);

How long are Convective SIGMETs valid?

2 hours;

How long are SIGMETs valid?

4 hours (6 hours for hurricanes);

How long are AIRMETs valid?

6 hours;

What is a Center Weather Advisory (CWA)?

Short-term weather advisory issued by ARTCCs for hazardous conditions;

What is an Area Forecast (FA)?

Legacy forecast now replaced by GFA (Graphical Forecasts for Aviation);

What is the GFA tool?

Graphical Forecast for Aviation – used to view weather conditions across the U.S.;

What is the difference between TAF and METAR?

TAF is a forecast, METAR is an observation;

Is a METAR considered a legal weather briefing?

Yes, when obtained from an approved source;

What is the valid time range for a TAF?

Typically 24 to 30 hours;

What is the difference between VFR and MVFR?

VFR = >3 SM visibility & ceiling >3,000 ft; MVFR = 3-5 SM visibility or 1,000-3,000 ft ceiling;

What defines IFR conditions?

Ceiling <1,000 ft and/or visibility <3 SM;

What defines LIFR conditions?

Ceiling <500 ft and/or visibility <1 SM;

Can you depart VFR into IMC?

Only if you're instrument rated and on an IFR clearance;

Can you operate VFR above a broken cloud layer?

Yes, if VFR cloud clearance and visibility are maintained;

What does “VFR on top” mean?

An IFR clearance that allows the pilot to operate in VFR conditions above clouds;

Can you conduct VFR flight in Class A airspace?

No, only IFR operations are permitted in Class A;

What altitude does Class A airspace begin?

18,000 ft MSL;

What equipment is required in Class A airspace?

IFR-certified aircraft and an instrument rating;

Can student pilots request Special VFR?

Yes, but only with proper endorsement and instructor approval;

What is the minimum altitude for VFR flight over a congested area?

1,000 ft above the highest obstacle within 2,000 ft;

What is the minimum altitude for VFR flight in non-congested areas?

500 ft above the surface;

Is it legal to fly VFR through a MOA?

Yes, but caution is advised and contacting ATC is recommended;

Can you fly VFR in restricted airspace?

Only with ATC authorization;

What’s the required visibility for VFR in Class D airspace?

3 SM;

What’s the cloud clearance in Class D airspace?

500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal;

What is a NOTAM?

Notice to Airmen – provides time-critical information about airports or airspace;

What is a TFR?

Temporary Flight Restriction – restricts access to airspace due to safety/security;

What is the source for official NOTAMs?

https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch;

What are Winds Aloft Forecasts?

Forecasts of wind direction and speed at various altitudes;

What is LLWS?

Low-Level Wind Shear – sudden change in wind speed/direction below 2,000 ft AGL;

What is the purpose of a Weather Depiction Chart?

Displays surface weather conditions including VFR/IFR areas;

What is a Surface Analysis Chart?

Shows pressure systems, fronts, and weather patterns at surface level;

What is an IFR Area Chart?

High-detail chart used for IFR navigation in busy airspace;

What does the Weather Briefing Code “OUTLOOK” mean?

Briefing for flights more than 6 hours in the future