Regulation Text
(a) Notwithstanding § 91.119, and except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate an airplane under VFR at less than—
(1) One thousand feet above the surface, or 1,000 feet from any mountain, hill, or other obstruction to flight, for day operations; and
(2) The altitudes prescribed in § 91.177, for night operations.
(b) This section does not apply—
(1) During takeoff or landing;
(2) When a different altitude is authorized by a waiver to this section under subpart J of this part; or
(3) When a flight is conducted under the special VFR weather minimums of § 91.157 with an appropriate clearance from ATC.
The short answer
(14 CFR § 91.515) Notwithstanding § 91.119, no one may operate an airplane under VFR below 1,000 feet above the surface (or 1,000 feet from any mountain, hill, or obstruction) by day, or below the § 91.177 altitudes at night—except during takeoff/landing, under a subpart J waiver, or special VFR with ATC clearance.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What is the daytime VFR minimum altitude under § 91.515?
For day operations, no lower than 1,000 feet above the surface, or 1,000 feet from any mountain, hill, or other obstruction.
“…no person may operate an airplane under VFR at less than—(1) One thousand feet above the surface, or 1,000 feet from any mountain, hill, or other obstruction to flight, for day operations…” — 14 CFR § 91.515(a)
What altitude applies for night operations?
At night, the altitudes prescribed in § 91.177 apply.
“(2) The altitudes prescribed in § 91.177, for night operations.” — 14 CFR § 91.515(a)
When does § 91.515 not apply?
It does not apply during takeoff or landing, when a subpart J waiver authorizes a different altitude, or under special VFR minimums of § 91.157 with an ATC clearance.
“This section does not apply—(1) During takeoff or landing; (2) When a different altitude is authorized by a waiver to this section under subpart J of this part; or (3) When a flight is conducted under the special VFR weather minimums of § 91.157 with an appropriate clearance from ATC.” — 14 CFR § 91.515(b)
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