This article explains the VFR weather minima set out in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), focusing on controlled versus uncontrolled airspace and practical application for student pilots.
If you haven’t read it yet, this pairs directly with VFR Cruising Altitudes in Canada, because most “what altitude should I be at?” decisions only matter once you’re actually legal to be VFR in the first place.
The rule in one sentence
In Canada, you can only fly VFR if you have visual reference to the surface and you meet the required visibility and cloud clearance minima for the airspace you’re in (controlled vs uncontrolled). (CARs 602.114 and 602.115) Source.
Controlled vs uncontrolled: the logic (not just the numbers)
The reason the numbers change is simple: in controlled airspace, ATC is separating traffic and expects pilots to be operating with stronger “see-and-avoid” margins and predictable performance. In uncontrolled airspace, you still must remain VFR, but the rules recognize that lower-level operations are common and weather can vary rapidly away from controlled airspace.
Minimum VFR weather minima (quick reference)
Controlled airspace (CAR 602.114)
- Visual reference to the surface is required.
- Flight visibility: not less than 3 statute miles.
- Distance from cloud: at least 500 ft vertically and 1 statute mile horizontally.
(CAR 602.114) Source.
Extra rule inside a Control Zone (still CAR 602.114)
- If ground visibility is reported, it must be at least 3 statute miles.
- Except when taking off or landing, you must remain at least 500 ft above the surface (i.e., don’t scud-run at 200 ft in the zone).
(CAR 602.114(d)) Source.
Uncontrolled airspace (CAR 602.115)
Uncontrolled minima change based on altitude (above/below 1,000 ft AGL) and day vs night.
| Uncontrolled VFR (CAR 602.115) | Visibility | Cloud clearance |
|---|---|---|
| At or above 1,000 ft AGL (Day) | ≥ 1 statute mile | ≥ 500 ft vertical and 2,000 ft horizontal |
| At or above 1,000 ft AGL (Night) | ≥ 3 statute miles | ≥ 500 ft vertical and 2,000 ft horizontal |
| Below 1,000 ft AGL (Aeroplane, Day) | ≥ 2 statute miles | Clear of cloud |
| Below 1,000 ft AGL (Aeroplane, Night) | ≥ 3 statute miles | Clear of cloud |
(CAR 602.115) Source.
Helicopter note: CAR 602.115 has different rules for helicopters below 1,000 ft AGL (including the possibility of 1 mile visibility by day, with specific authorizations). If you are training in aeroplanes, don’t let helicopter exceptions contaminate your answers. Source.
When the rule applies (and when it doesn’t)
This applies when you are operating VFR
- Local training flights
- Practice area work
- Cross-country flights
- Transitions through or around controlled airspace
This does not mean “you can always go if you meet the bare minimum”
Meeting the legal minima does not guarantee the flight is smart, safe, or consistent with your flight school’s SOPs. Most schools (and instructors) will apply higher personal minima for training flights, especially for early students.
Special VFR (SVFR) is a separate tool, and it is not “normal VFR”
In Canada, if conditions are below VFR minima in a control zone, a pilot may request Special VFR authorization. This is not something you assume; it’s an ATC authorization with its own constraints and operational risk profile. The TC AIM discusses SVFR procedures and context, and CARs includes SVFR provisions (CAR 602.117). Source.
Common student mistakes (the traps that show up on exams)
1) Mixing up flight visibility and ground visibility
- Controlled airspace: the rule is flight visibility ≥ 3 miles. (CAR 602.114(b))
- Control zone add-on: if ground visibility is reported, it must be ≥ 3 miles. (CAR 602.114(d)(i))
Students often answer “3 miles ground visibility” as if it applies everywhere in controlled airspace. It doesn’t; it’s specifically called out for control zones when ground visibility is reported. Source.
2) Using “clear of cloud” in the wrong place
Clear of cloud applies (for aeroplanes) in uncontrolled airspace below 1,000 ft AGL. Above 1,000 ft AGL, you must use the “500 ft vertical / 2,000 ft horizontal” cloud clearance rule in uncontrolled airspace. Source.
3) Forgetting the 1,000 ft AGL threshold in uncontrolled airspace
The uncontrolled-airspace rules are built around a simple breakpoint: at or above 1,000 ft AGL vs below 1,000 ft AGL. If you don’t anchor your answer to that threshold, it’s easy to quote the wrong minima. Source.
4) Confusing Canadian values with U.S. memory aids
Many students come in with “1-5-111” style U.S. memory patterns. In Canada, the controlled-airspace baseline is 3 miles of flight visibility and 500 ft / 1 mile cloud clearance, and uncontrolled varies with altitude and day/night. If your brain is bilingual (Canada/U.S.), slow down and answer from the Canadian rule set.
5) Forgetting “visual reference to the surface”
Both CAR 602.114 and 602.115 explicitly require the aircraft be operated with visual reference to the surface for VFR in controlled and uncontrolled airspace. This is one reason “scud running” can become illegal fast, even if a METAR looks barely acceptable. Source.
How examiners expect you to answer
On a flight test oral or ground brief, give your answer in this structure:
- Identify the airspace: controlled or uncontrolled (and whether you are in a control zone).
- State visibility minima: flight visibility (and ground visibility requirement if you’re in a control zone and it’s reported).
- State cloud clearance: 500/1 mile (controlled) vs 500/2000 (uncontrolled ≥ 1,000 AGL) vs clear of cloud (uncontrolled < 1,000 AGL).
- Anchor with the regulation: “That’s CAR 602.114 / 602.115.”
Real-world flying examples (training, XC, practice areas)
Example 1: Leaving the circuit to the practice area (uncontrolled, 2,500 ft AGL)
You’re operating in uncontrolled airspace at 2,500 ft AGL (≥ 1,000 ft AGL). By day, you need 1 mile flight visibility and must remain 500 ft vertically / 2,000 ft horizontally from cloud. If you’re also planning a level cruise segment, your altitude selection should follow the Canadian VFR cruising altitude rule (see VFR cruising altitudes). Source.
Example 2: Transitioning through a control zone on a local flight
Once you’re in the control zone, the controlled minima apply: 3 miles flight visibility and 500 ft / 1 mile cloud clearance. If ground visibility is reported, it must be at least 3 miles, and (except for takeoff/landing) you must remain 500 ft above the surface. Source.
Example 3: Low-level sightseeing outside controlled airspace (800 ft AGL, day)
You’re below 1,000 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace in an aeroplane. By day, you need 2 miles visibility and must remain clear of cloud. This is the classic scenario where students quote the “500/2000” cloud clearance and accidentally give the wrong rule. Source.
Practical takeaway
- Controlled airspace: 3 miles, 500 ft / 1 mile.
- Uncontrolled ≥ 1,000 ft AGL: 1 mile (day) or 3 miles (night), 500 ft / 2,000 ft.
- Uncontrolled < 1,000 ft AGL (aeroplane): 2 miles (day) or 3 miles (night), clear of cloud.
- Pair this with your altitude planning: VFR Cruising Altitudes in Canada.