For Class E airspace above 10,000 feet MSL, what are the basic VFR minimums?

• A. 5 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontal
• B. 3 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontal
• C. 5 statute miles visibility, 1,200 feet above, 1,000 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontal
• D. 5 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, 2,000 feet horizontal

Answer: (D)

In Class E airspace at 10,000 feet MSL and above, the basic VFR minimums require more margin than lower altitudes. You must have at least 5 statute miles of visibility to ensure you can see and avoid weather and other aircraft from a greater distance at high speeds and altitudes. For cloud clearance, you need to remain at least 1,000 feet above and 1,000 feet below the clouds, with 2,000 feet of horizontal separation from any cloud. This combination provides a safe visual separation from weather and traffic when operating high.

So the correct minimums are 5 miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds. The other options either reduce visibility to 3 miles or alter the cloud clearance distances, which do not match the required standards above 10,000 feet MSL.