Aviation · 14 CFR 91.155 · Class D
VFR weather minimums in Class D airspace.
Three statute miles and 500-1,000-2,000 from clouds, with a note on what applies when the tower closes.
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The Class D minimums
The 91.155(a) table gives Class D 3 statute miles of flight visibility and 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds, the same numbers as Class C and Class E below 10,000 feet MSL.
When the tower closes
The AIM (3-2-5) says Class D surface areas can be full-time or part-time. Where a surface area is part-time, "the airspace may revert to either a Class E surface area ... or Class G airspace," and "During the hours the tower is not in operation, the Class E surface area rules or a combination of Class E rules to 700 feet above ground level and Class G rules to the surface will become applicable." The Chart Supplement states which applies, for example "other times CLASS E." Which row of the 91.155 table you use therefore depends on the hour.
Ground visibility and ceiling
Paragraph (d) requires 3 statute miles of ground visibility (or flight visibility if none is reported) for VFR takeoff, landing or traffic-pattern entry in the surface area; paragraph (c) bars VFR beneath a ceiling under 1,000 feet. Both give way to 91.157.
Worked example
A pilot flies the pattern at a towered airport with 4 statute miles of visibility and a scattered layer 1,500 feet above the aircraft and 5,000 feet to the side. All four Class D values are met. If the tower closes and the Chart Supplement says "other times CLASS G," Class G rules apply below the overlying controlled airspace instead.
Radio rules are on the Class D requirements page.
The full 91.155(a) table
| Airspace | Flight visibility | Distance from clouds |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Class B | 3 statute miles | Clear of clouds |
| Class C | 3 statute miles | 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal |
| Class D | 3 statute miles | 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal |
| Class E, below 10,000 ft MSL | 3 statute miles | 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal |
| Class E, at or above 10,000 ft MSL | 5 statute miles | 1,000 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 1 statute mile horizontal |
| Class G, 1,200 ft or less above surface, day | 1 statute mile | Clear of clouds |
| Class G, 1,200 ft or less above surface, night | 3 statute miles | 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal |
| Class G, over 1,200 ft above surface, below 10,000 ft MSL, day | 1 statute mile | 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal |
| Class G, over 1,200 ft above surface, below 10,000 ft MSL, night | 3 statute miles | 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal |
| Class G, over 1,200 ft above surface, at or above 10,000 ft MSL | 5 statute miles | 1,000 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 1 statute mile horizontal |
Helicopter values for Class G (1/2 statute mile day, 1 statute mile night, clear of clouds, at 1,200 feet or less above the surface) are in the same table in the regulation.
FAQ
What are the VFR weather minimums in Class D airspace?
3 statute miles of flight visibility, with 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
What changes when the Class D tower closes?
Per the AIM, the surface area can revert to Class E or Class G, and the Chart Supplement says which.
Where do I find the part-time status of a Class D airport?
The AIM says the airport listing in the Chart Supplement states it, for example other times CLASS E.
Is there a ground visibility rule at a Class D airport?
Yes. Under 91.155(d), 3 statute miles of ground visibility is needed for VFR takeoff, landing or pattern entry, subject to 91.157.
Are Class D minimums the same as Class C?
Yes. Both use the same visibility and cloud-distance values in the 91.155(a) table.
Sources
Retrieved 2026-11-02. Regulation text read through the eCFR API (current as of 2026-10-29); AIM text read from the FAA publication URL below. Rules change; check the current text.
- 14 CFR 91.155, Basic VFR weather minimums: the table, paragraphs (b) to (e).
- AIM chapter 3, section 2, Controlled airspace: Class D definition, entry and part-time operation.
Not legal advice or flight instruction
This page summarizes federal aviation rules for general information. It is not legal advice or flight instruction and does not replace the regulation, an instructor, or the FAA. Check the current rule and your own certificate privileges before you fly. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent anywhere.