VFR weather minimums in Europe

The visibility and cloud clearance you need to fly VFR under SERA, by airspace class and altitude, in one table you can remember.

The short answer

In most controlled airspace below FL100 you need 5 km flight visibility and must stay 1,500 m horizontally and 1,000 ft vertically from cloud. In uncontrolled airspace at or below 3,000 ft AMSL, or 1,000 ft above terrain if higher, 5 km visibility clear of cloud with the surface in sight is enough.

Classes B to G above the low level band

• At and above FL100: 8 km visibility, 1,500 m horizontal and 1,000 ft vertical from cloud
• Below FL100: 5 km visibility, same distance from cloud

Low level in classes F and G

At or below 3,000 ft AMSL, or 1,000 ft above terrain, whichever is higher: 5 km visibility, clear of cloud and with the surface in sight. States may allow lower visibility, down to 1,500 m, at slow speeds that give you time to see and avoid. Helicopters can be permitted lower still.

Special VFR and the control zone

Taking off or landing at a controlled aerodrome under VFR normally needs a ground visibility of at least 5 km and a ceiling of at least 1,500 ft. Below that you can ask for special VFR, which in most states requires 1,500 m visibility and a ceiling of 600 ft. Always check your national AIP, as some states add their own rules.