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

• A. 3 statute miles visibility; clear of clouds; ATC clearance not required to enter
• B. 5 statute miles visibility; 1000 ft above, 1000 ft below, 1 mile horizontal; ATC clearance required to enter
• C. 3 statute miles visibility; 500 ft below, 1000 ft above, 2000 ft horizontal; two-way radio communications required prior to entry
• D. 3 statute miles visibility; clear of clouds; ATC clearance required to enter

Answer: (D)

In Class B airspace, the weather minimums for flying VFR are designed to keep you in clear sight of other traffic and under tight ATC control because this is highly busy airspace. You must have enough visibility to see and avoid other aircraft, which is ensured by a minimum of three statute miles. You also must remain clear of any clouds so you can maintain that visual lookout and avoid inadvertent conflicts with traffic you can’t see in cloud.

The correct choice reflects these two key points: three miles of visibility and staying clear of clouds. It also adds that you must have ATC clearance to enter Class B, which is essential because entry into this airspace requires explicit permission from ATC given the level of traffic management needed.

Why the other options don’t fit: one option calls for five miles of visibility and specific cloud ceilings, which are not the standard VFR minima for Class B. Another option pairs three miles with cloud ceilings that are not applicable for Class B, and while one choice mentions two-way radio communications, the minimums focus on what you must physically see and the authorization to enter; the official entry requirement is ATC clearance, which this option correctly includes.