Definition
The minimum horizontal and vertical separation a pilot operating under Visual Flight Rules must maintain between the aircraft and any cloud. The required distances are set by 14 CFR 91.155 and vary with airspace class and altitude, ensuring VFR traffic stays far enough from clouds to see and avoid other aircraft that may emerge from them.
Plain English
When you are flying by looking outside (VFR), you have to stay a certain distance away from clouds. How far depends on which type of airspace you are in and how high you are flying. The point is to keep enough space between you and a cloud so that if another aircraft pops out of it, you both have time to see each other and avoid a collision.
Context Anchor
Seen in VFR weather minimum charts, preflight planning, and decisions about whether a flight can legally continue in the current weather.
Derivation
Minimum comes from a Latin word meaning “smallest.” In this term, it means the smallest distance the rules allow, not a recommended or comfortable distance.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps the flight in visual conditions, giving time to see and avoid traffic, terrain, or sudden weather changes.
Grounding Statement
Think of each cloud as having an invisible safety space around it that a VFR pilot must stay outside of unless the rules allow otherwise.
Intuition Check
Do not read “minimum” as “best” or “safe in every situation.” It means the least distance the rules allow; a pilot may need more room for good judgment and safety.
Example Sentence 1
Before departing, the pilot checked the ceiling and visibility to make sure the flight could meet the VFR minimum distance from clouds for Class E airspace below 10,000 feet.
Example Sentence 2
In Class G airspace below 1,200 feet the VFR minimum distance from clouds is simply to remain clear of them.