VFR minima and airspace classes: what every PPL student must know
VFR minima define the minimum weather conditions under which you may legally fly as a VFR pilot. They vary by airspace class and altitude ā and a poor understanding of the rules has contributed to multiple accidents. This article provides a clear overview of the EASA regulations as they apply across Europe.
What are VFR minima?
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) minima define the minimum visibility and cloud clearance required to fly VFR. If conditions fall below the minima, you must either land or switch to IFR (if rated). Flying VFR in conditions below minima without an IFR rating is both illegal and extremely dangerous.
EASA airspace classes
EASA distinguishes airspace classes A through G. The most relevant for VFR pilots in Europe:
ā¢ Class A: IFR only ā VFR not permitted ā¢ Class C: controlled, VFR with ATC clearance, ATC separation from IFR traffic ā¢ Class D: controlled, VFR with clearance, pilot responsible for visual separation from other VFR ā¢ Class E: controlled IFR + uncontrolled VFR (note: IFR traffic not visible to VFR ā popular in NL) ā¢ Class G: uncontrolled, lowest applicable minima
VFR minima by class (daytime)
In Class C, D, E: visibility ā„5 km, horizontal distance from cloud ā„1500 m, vertical ā„300 m (1000 ft).
In Class F and G below 3000 ft AMSL (or 1000 ft AGL, whichever is higher): visibility ā„1500 m, clear of cloud ā provided speed ā¤140 kt. This is sometimes informally called the "low-level VFR rule" and should not be confused with a Special VFR clearance.
Special VFR (SVFR)
Special VFR is an ATC clearance allowing you to enter or leave a Control Zone (CTR) in conditions below standard VFR minima. Requirements: visibility ā„1500 m (day), clear of cloud, and ATC permission. SVFR is not a blank cheque for bad weather ā you remain responsible for aircraft safety.
Night VFR minima
Night VFR requires: visibility ā„5 km in all airspace classes, and a cloud base of at least 1500 ft AGL. Night VFR also requires a Night Rating ā an additional qualification on your PPL.
Practical tip: pre-flight weather check
Always check the latest METAR for your departure and destination aerodromes, and the TAF for your planned flight duration. Note the cloud base (BKN/OVC height in hundreds of feet), visibility and precipitation type. When in doubt, don't go ā "When in doubt, don't" is the golden rule of VFR flying.
Use UP Aviation's free METAR/TAF decoder to read weather reports clearly, including automatic flight rule classification (VFR, MVFR, IFR, LIFR).
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