What are the standard VFR weather minimums for Class E airspace at or above 10,000 ft MSL?

• A. 3 statute miles visibility; 1000 ft above, 1000 ft below, 1 statute mile horizontal
• B. 3 statute miles visibility; 500 ft below, 1000 ft above, 2000 ft horizontal
• C. 5 statute miles visibility; 1000 ft above, 1000 ft below, 1 statute mile horizontal
• D. 5 statute miles visibility; 1000 ft above, 1000 ft below, 1 statute mile horizontal

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is what the standard VFR weather minimums are for Class E airspace when you’re at or above 10,000 feet MSL. At that altitude, the regulation requires higher minimums to ensure pilots have enough visibility and cloud separation in an environment where weather can be more challenging to detect and avoid.

Specifically, the standard VFR minimums are 5 statute miles of visibility and cloud clearance of 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, and 1 statute mile horizontally from any cloud. This combination is often remembered as 5-1-1. It keeps you well clear of clouds and gives you ample time to see and avoid weather or other aircraft.

Other options don’t fit because they either list too little visibility (3 miles instead of 5) or have incorrect cloud-clearance distances (such as 500 feet below or 2,000 feet horizontal). These don’t meet the official requirements for Class E airspace at or above 10,000 feet MSL.