Under night VFR, what are the weather minimums for a RPIC operating an unmanned aircraft under VFR?

Under night VFR, what are the weather minimums for a RPIC operating an unmanned aircraft under VFR?

• A. 5 statute miles visibility; 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 3,000 feet horizontal.
• B. 1 statute mile visibility; clear of clouds.
• C. 3 statute miles visibility; 2,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 500 feet horizontally.
• D. 3 statute miles visibility; 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal.

Answer: (D)

When operating under night VFR, you must maintain visual contact and keep well clear of clouds. The required minimums are 3 statute miles of visibility and cloud clearance of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontally from any cloud. This combination gives enough light and distance to see other aircraft and obstacles and to avoid flying into or through clouds, which can severely limit visibility and situational awareness at night. The other options either require too little visibility, or specify cloud distances that don’t align with standard night VFR minimums.

When operating under night VFR, you must maintain visual contact and keep well clear of clouds. The required minimums are 3 statute miles of visibility and cloud clearance of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontally from any cloud. This combination gives enough light and distance to see other aircraft and obstacles and to avoid flying into or through clouds, which can severely limit visibility and situational awareness at night. The other options either require too little visibility, or specify cloud distances that don’t align with standard night VFR minimums.