5. Class E is more restrictive than Class G airspace.
3-1-4. Basic VFR Weather Minimums
a. No person may operate an aircraft under basic VFR when the flight visibility is less, or at a distance from
clouds that is less, than that prescribed for the corresponding altitude and class of airspace. (See TBL 3-1-1.)
NOTE-
Student pilots must comply with 14 CFR Section 61.89(a) (6) and (7).

b. Except as provided in 14 CFR Section 91.157, Special VFR Weather Minimums, no person may operate
an aircraft beneath the ceiling under VFR within the lateral boundaries of controlled airspace designated to the
surface for an airport when the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet. (See 14 CFR Section 91.155(c).)
TBL 3-1-1

Basic VFR Weather Minimums
Airspace
Flight Visibility
Class A Not Applicable
Class B 3 statute miles
Class C 3 statute miles

Class D 3 statute miles

Class E
Less than 10,000 feet MSL 3 statute miles

At or above 10,000 feet MSL 5 statute miles

Distance from Clouds
Not Applicable
Clear of Clouds
500 feet below
1,000 feet above
2,000 feet horizontal
500 feet below
1,000 feet above
2,000 feet horizontal
500 feet below
1,000 feet above
2,000 feet horizontal
1,000 feet below
1,000 feet above
1 statute mile horizontal

Class G
1,200 feet or less above the surface (regardless of MSL
altitude).
For aircraft other than helicopters:
Day, except as provided in 91.155(b) . 1 statute mile
Night, except as provided in 91.155(b) 3 statute miles

For helicopters:
Day .  statute mile
Night, except as provided in 91.155(b) 1 statute mile
More than 1,200 feet above the surface but less than
10,000 feet MSL.
Day . 1 statute mile

Night . 3 statute miles

More than 1,200 feet above the surface and at or above
5 statute miles
10,000 feet MSL.

3-1-2

Clear of clouds
500 feet below
1,000 feet above
2,000 feet horizontal
Clear of clouds
Clear of clouds

500 feet below
1,000 feet above
2,000 feet horizontal
500 feet below
1,000 feet above
2,000 feet horizontal
1,000 feet below
1,000 feet above
1 statute mile horizontal

General