Can a VFR pilot operate in the traffice pattern of an airport when the ceiling is 900' AGL?

Question

Is this in violation of the clould clearance requirements in the FAR'S?

Answer 1

well you have to add Field elevation plus 1000ft,1000ft is standard pattern an airport and you should also be 500ft below clouds so i would say no,

also personally if the ceiling is at 900ft thats just bad weather waiting to happen i just would not go out to fly at all.

Answer 2

Isn't the standard traffic pattern 1000ft at any non-controlled airport?  then you'd be in the clouds??

You can fly into an airport at lower altitude and break pattern - nothing wrong with that if you call it out and are approved by tower (or if there is no tower)...

As long as you don't violate the 500' minimum rule as well...

Answer 3

Lets think about this... Class G airspace (most uncontrolled airports) below 1200AGL has visibility requirements of 1 mile and clear of clouds. Class E (below 10000MSL), Class D, Class D (if it drops down to 700 AGL as it does in some uncontrolled fields) has visibility requirements of 3 miles, 500ft below, 1000ft above, and 2000ft horizontal.

Class B, 3 miles and clear of clouds.

Looking at the FARs and AIM there is no precise TPA, instead there is a range... 700 AGL to 1200 AGL, unless published in the AF/D.  Most controlled fields will have a published TPA.

Looking at both paragraphs we come to the conclusion that you can only fly pattern in Class G and Class B.

A note about Special VFR, it requires an ATC clearance and an Instrument rating.

Answer 4

What is the class of airspace?  Or at what airport?

Answer 5

Special VFR in the traffic pattern, can operate when the ceiling´s 1000 FT and with visibility of 3000 metres.

But, for helicopters, have to operate with ceiling around 600ft and visibility of 1500 metres.

Others VFR conditions are:

- for Aircraft, ceiling of 1500 FT and visibility of 5000 metres, and,

- for helicoter´s ceiling with 1000FT and 3000 metres of visibility.

Ok? Good flights!

Answer 6

Depends on the published traffic pattern and the airspace. Someplace like KWWD (cape may county) with an 800 foot traffic pattern, and uncontrolled, you would be fine. In a delta even with special vfr you would be in violation, because, regardless of flight vis. You must have 1000 foot ceilings

Answer 7

no

Answer 8

In the proper airspace, Special VFR: 1 mile, clear of clouds.