The ONLY Visibility Minimum You Have to Remember

Basic VFR Weather Minimums can seem complicated. Many pilots and students struggle to remember them. Is there a simple rule we can use at the airport or in the cockpit to ensure we are flying within weather minimums? And, how might we justify simplifying in light of how complicated 14 CFR 91.155 seems?
00:00 What if?
00:30 Why the Regs?
01:06 Two Major Categories
01:45 First Exception
02:26 Second Exception
03:21 Third Exception
03:46 Fourth Exception
04:24 Where does that leave us?
04:34 Just a little bit further
05:04 So, what do you think?
05:36 More information!
Warning: The information provided in this video is for demonstration purposes only. The information and results cannot be used for an actual flight. To plan an actual flight, you will need to use the information in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook, and the other documents associated with the specific airplane you fly.
Reference Links:
Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Handbook: This reference has a LOT of good information regarding airspace.
rodmachado.com/products/rod-m...
Looking for a great reference of the information required for Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot certification? The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge is your book!
www.amazon.com/Pilots-Handboo...
14 CFR 91.155 - Basic VFR Weather Minimums
www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14...
F-111 Image
nara.getarchive.net/media/lef... Public Domain License Free Image of the F-111 Albatross
Cessna 152 Image
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi... Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository - Image under GNU Free Documentation License
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[@liliiavoevodina6245]

I just love your videos so much :) Positive, confident, simple, professional

[@ScottKoonCFI]

Thank you so much! I hope you have a wonderful day!!

[@craighill2696]

I too use the higher minimum justification especially with Class G vfr day or night.... not doing it at minimum.... However I live in the hot humid south.... Memphis. We very often have 2-4k Scattered broken or overcast ceilings and we often fly just 500 below the clouds. Its not my favorite but it is very common. Training would be cut in half if we used 1000 ft below or we would be too close to the ground. I would agree however that I started with 1000 below and with time my minimums were reduced. Side note, the only 2 answers I have seen on written tests are 3 152 and maybe once saw 5 111. 3 152 is most often the correct answer

[@ScottKoonCFI]

Thanks for the comment! I agree, there are portions of the US where training could be significantly hindered if you make your personal minimums too stringent. My suggestion was based on the fact that weather conditions can change very quickly. Here in Minnesota, we’ve had the ceiling drop 500 feet in a matter of minutes. So, having that buffer-especially when you are still getting used to being in the plane by yourself, is a huge risk mitigation. I love your approach of starting with 1000 below minimums when flying alone, and over time working to reduce those. I would also recommend considering starting on your instrument training after you’ve earned your pilot certificate. It will not only make you a better pilot, it will significantly expand the types of weather in which you can fly. Also, thanks for your observations regarding the tests. Thanks again for the comment!

[@justplanefred]

Thanks for the shout out Scott! As someone who want to start training it sounds like my head is getting into the right place, now if I can just get my bank account to follow...

[@ScottKoonCFI]

Based on your comments your head is definitely getting in the right space! Good luck getting the bank account in line as well. Having been there several times, I know, unfortunately, the struggle is real. Thanks again!

[@rapinncapin123]

Mr. Koon = the 🐐

[@ScottKoonCFI]

Thank you so much for the compliment! I’m glad you like the material!!

[@ehudgavron9086]

Hi Mr. Koon. I love your succinct style of providing informative knowledge. Thank you! I'm a commercial helicopter pilot working on my CFI certification. If you do ground lessons online, let me know because I'd happily (what's a nice way to say "pay you for your knowledge and teaching time) :) Ehud Gavron Tucson AZ

[@ScottKoonCFI]

Ehud, Thank you so much for the compliment! I'm glad you enjoy the videos. I would love to discuss helping you further. Why don't you email me (scott.koon(at)online-cfi.com) and we can set up some time to discuss more specifics!

[@liliiavoevodina6245]

I fly Cherokee at 16000 feet, ATC would normally say "eemmmm G-NK confirm your type" :D

[@ScottKoonCFI]

That is one heck of a Cherokee.

[@liliiavoevodina6245]

@@ScottKoonCFI diesel 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@ScottKoonCFI]

Interesting… That is awesome!

[@ronniethepilot]

Can you come to Florida and do mock orals hahahah I’m serious. Do you have any power points for mock orals

[@ScottKoonCFI]

Perhaps! We keep waiting for the weather to get (and stay) nicer here in the upper-Midwest, but it hasn’t (frown). I don’t have any slides on mock check rides. When are you looking at taking your check ride? I am putting together a mock check ride course. The intent is for it to be 3 - 4 small-group sessions where we review the Oral portions of the ACS, including review of a scenario and performance data. I’ll post more here as I get details solidified. Thanks for the comment!

[@ronniethepilot]

Supposes to have been a few months ago but I since then has lost interest because of the CFI I have or had whom I haven’t heard from more than a month now so I’m looking for another one so pretty much instead of going forward I’m going backwards

[@ScottKoonCFI]

Sorry to hear that. I think I remember you mentioning something similar in a previous comment. Unfortunately, with the state of the industry, a lot of CFIs are getting snapped up by the airlines. We have a couple instructors work with us that trained in Florida. If you let me know where you are located, I might be able to offer some suggestions. Feel free to email me at scott dot koon at online-CFI dot com. And, I’ll also try to keep the material interesting and relevant!

[@ronniethepilot]

@@ScottKoonCFI will do