135.155 Meteorological conditions - VFR flight
- (a) A person performing an air operation must ensure that a VFR flight is not commenced unless current meteorological information indicates VFR minima prescribed in Part 91 and in paragraphs (b), (c), (d), and (e) can be complied with along the route, or that part of the route to be flown under VFR.
- (b) A pilot-in-command of an aeroplane performing a VFR air operation outside controlled airspace must fly in meteorological conditions--
- (1) of not less than a ceiling of 1000 feet AGL and a flight visibility of not less than 5 km; and
- (2) if the operation is by night, of not less than a ceiling of 3000 feet AGL and a flight visibility of not less than 16 km.
- (c) A pilot-in-command of a helicopter performing a VFR air transport operation outside controlled airspace must fly in meteorological conditions--
- (1) of not less than a ceiling of 600 feet AGL and flight visibility of not less than 1500 metres; and
- (2) if the operation is by night, of not less than a ceiling of 2000 feet AGL and flight visibility of not less than 5 km.
- (d) A pilot-in-command of a helicopter performing a VFR commercial transport operation must--
- (1) manoeuvre the helicopter so that the pilot can, at all times, observe other traffic and any obstruction in time to avoid a collision; and
- (2) for remote aerodrome access, fly in meteorological conditions of not less than a ceiling of 600 feet AGL and flight visibility of not less than 1500 metres; and
- (3) for other than remote aerodrome access, fly beneath the ceiling, remaining clear of cloud, and in continuous sight of the surface and above not more than scattered cloud; and
- (4) if the operation is by night, fly in meteorological conditions of not less than a ceiling of 2000 feet AGL and a flight visibility of not less than 5 km.
- (e) A pilot-in-command of an aircraft may not perform an air operation under VFR above more than scattered cloud unless--
- (1) the aircraft is authorised for IFR flight and the required minimum flight crew for IFR operation, holding current instrument rating qualifications, is performing the operation; and
- (2) the instruments and equipment, including radio navigation equipment, required for IFR flight are operative; and
- (3) the aircraft carries radio navigation equipment to enable it to be navigated by IFR to an aerodrome where an instrument approach procedure may be carried out for landing; and
- (4) the aircraft carries sufficient fuel and fuel reserves to proceed by IFR to an aerodrome where an instrument approach procedure may be carried out for landing.
- (f) Notwithstanding paragraph (e), a pilot-in-command of an aircraft may not perform an air operation carrying passengers under VFR in a single engine aircraft above more than scattered cloud.