Takeoff and landing weather minimums: VFR: Domestic operations

This regulation sets minimum weather conditions for Part 121 air carriers operating under VFR in domestic operations. Pilots cannot take off or land when weather is below these minimums, regardless of ATC clearance:

• Day operations: 1,000-foot ceiling and 1-mile visibility
• Night operations: 1,000-foot ceiling and 2-mile visibility

An exception allows reducing visibility to ½ mile (day or night) when only localized surface restrictions exist—like smoke or blowing dust—provided the aircraft can fly above or outside the restricted area beyond one mile from the airport and during all turns.

At airports where Part 91's special weather minimums don't apply (listed in Part 91 Appendix D), these Part 121 minimums don't apply either; instead, basic Part 91 VFR minimums govern those operations.

These are stricter than typical Part 91 VFR minimums, reflecting the higher safety standards required for commercial airline operations.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*