AIM Text
Rules governing VFR flight have been adopted to assist the pilot in meeting the responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft. Minimum flight visibility and distance from clouds required for VFR flight are contained in 14 CFR section 91.155. (See TBL 3-1-1.)
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 3-3-2.
The short answer
This AIM section explains that VFR flight rules exist to help pilots meet the responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft. It points to FAA advisory guidance that the minimum flight visibility and distance from clouds required for VFR flight are contained in 14 CFR section 91.155, supporting that regulation rather than restating every value.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Why do VFR weather minimums exist?
Per this AIM section, rules governing VFR flight were adopted to assist the pilot in meeting the responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft.
Where are VFR visibility and cloud-clearance minimums found?
The AIM states that minimum flight visibility and distance from clouds required for VFR flight are contained in 14 CFR section 91.155, and it references TBL 3-1-1 for the values.
Is this AIM section the regulation itself?
No. This AIM section is advisory guidance that summarizes the purpose of VFR rules and directs pilots to the controlling regulation, 14 CFR section 91.155, for the binding visibility and cloud-clearance requirements.