Flight altitude rules

This regulation sets higher minimum altitude requirements for airplanes operating under VFR than the general rules in §91.119. During the day, you must fly at least 1,000 feet above the surface or maintain 1,000 feet clearance from any mountain, hill, or obstruction. At night, you must follow the IFR minimum altitudes specified in §91.177, which are generally higher.

These requirements don't apply during takeoff and landing, when you have a waiver, or when operating under special VFR with ATC clearance.

In practical terms, this means airplane pilots can't legally buzz along at 500 feet over open country like §91.119 would otherwise permit—you need that extra altitude cushion. The night requirement is particularly restrictive since it references IFR altitudes, typically 2,000 feet above obstacles in mountainous areas and 1,000 feet in non-mountainous terrain within four nautical miles of course.

*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.*