What is the required flight visibility and distance from clouds in Class E airspace at 9,500 feet MSL with a VFR-On-Top clearance during daylight hours?

In Class E airspace at 9,500 feet MSL, the regulations outline specific visibility and distance requirements when operating under VFR-On-Top clearances during daylight hours. The correct parameters for maintaining VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions involve having at least 3 statute miles of flight visibility, along with specific distancing requirements from clouds.

When flying VFR-On-Top, the standard criteria stipulate that a pilot must have a vertical distance of at least 1,000 feet above clouds, a minimum of 500 feet below clouds, and a horizontal distance of at least 2,000 feet from clouds. This ensures that the pilot maintains adequate separation from clouds while operating in a controlled environment, thus promoting safety and visibility.

Understanding these requirements is essential for pilots to maintain situational awareness and to ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations when flying in Class E airspace. The integral combination of visibility and cloud separation allows for both safety and operational flexibility in a variety of flying conditions.