VFR weather minima
VFR needs visual reference to the surface at all times, in any airspace (CAR 602.114(a), 602.115(a)). Minima:
| Airspace | Altitude | Day/Night | Aircraft | Flight vis | Cloud clearance | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Controlled, incl. airways and control zones | Any | Day or night | Any | 3 SM | 500 ft vertical, 1 mile horizontal | CAR 602.114 |
| Uncontrolled | At or above 1,000 ft AGL | Day | Any | 1 SM | 500 ft vertical, 2,000 ft horizontal | CAR 602.115 |
| Uncontrolled | At or above 1,000 ft AGL | Night | Any | 3 SM | 500 ft vertical, 2,000 ft horizontal | CAR 602.115 |
| Uncontrolled | Below 1,000 ft AGL | Day | Aeroplane | 2 SM | Clear of cloud | CAR 602.115 |
| Uncontrolled | Below 1,000 ft AGL | Day | Helicopter | 1 SM | Clear of cloud | CAR 602.115 |
| Uncontrolled | Below 1,000 ft AGL | Night | Any | 3 SM | Clear of cloud | CAR 602.115 |
- Airway = controlled airspace (CAR 101.01).
- Minima follow controlled vs uncontrolled, not class A-G (TC AIM RAC 2.8).
- At or above minima = VMC. Below = IMC (CAR 101.01(1)).
Control zone extras (CAR 602.114(d)):
- Reported ground visibility at least 3 SM.
- At least 500 ft above the surface (a floor, not a limit), except taking off or landing.
- Flight vis under 3 SM: avoid the reduced-visibility area, or stay clear and request special VFR (TC AIM RAC 4.1).
Special VFR (SVFR): ATC authorization to fly VFR inside a control zone only, when weather is below the normal controlled-airspace minima (CAR 602.117(1)(a)).
| Aircraft | Flight vis | Reported ground vis | Cloud | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-helicopter | 1 SM | 1 SM | Clear of cloud, visual reference to surface at all times | CAR 602.117(1)(b)-(c), (2)(b) |
| Helicopter | ½ SM | ½ SM | Clear of cloud, visual reference to surface at all times | CAR 602.117(1)(b)-(c), (2)(b) |
- Request and obtain before entering or operating in the zone (CAR 602.117(1)(d)); procedure and phraseology in
special-vfr. - ATC authorizes if traffic permits and reported ground visibility in the zone meets the floor (CAR 602.117(2)).
- Night: non-helicopter SVFR only to land at destination aerodrome, never depart (CAR 602.117(2)(d)).
Trap: 1,000 ft AGL splits 1 SM from 2 SM; night forces 3 SM; helicopter 1 SM by day below 1,000 ft (aeroplane 2 SM); night fixed-wing SVFR is for landing only, never departure.
References
- CARs 602.114
- CARs 602.115
- CARs 602.117
- CARs 101.01(1)
- TC AIM RAC 2.7.3 Table 2.2
- TC AIM RAC 2.8
- TC AIM RAC 4.1