What are the standard VFR weather minimums for Class C airspace?

• A. 3 statute miles visibility; 500 ft below, 1000 ft above, 2000 ft horizontal; two-way radio communication with ATC required prior to entry
• B. 5 statute miles visibility; 1000 ft below, 1000 ft above, 1 mile horizontal
• C. 3 statute miles visibility; clear of clouds; ATC clearance required to enter
• D. 3 statute miles visibility; 1000 ft below, 1000 ft above, 1 mile horizontal; two-way radio communication required prior to entry

Answer: (A)

In Class C airspace used for VFR, two key requirements govern entry: you must be in two-way radio communication with ATC prior to entering, and you must meet specific weather minimums. The standard minimums are 3 statute miles of visibility and cloud clearance of 500 feet below, 1000 feet above, and 2000 feet horizontally from the clouds. This combination ensures pilots have enough visibility to see and avoid other aircraft while maintaining a safe distance from clouds in a controlled environment with ATC separation services.

The other options don’t fit because they either give incorrect visibility or cloud values, or imply a clearance to enter rather than just establishing two-way communication. For example, one option lists 5 miles visibility with different cloud distances, which isn’t the standard for Class C. Another option suggests ATC clearance is required to enter, which isn’t how VFR entry into Class C works; you need two-way communication, not a formal clearance. The remaining option has wrong cloud distances and a too-narrow horizontal clearance.