What is the minimum visibility required for VFR during the day at altitudes below 1200 ft AGL?

VFR, or Visual Flight Rules, allows pilots to fly in weather conditions generally clear and good enough for them to see where they are going. At altitudes below 1200 feet AGL (Above Ground Level), the regulations stipulate that pilots must maintain visual contact with the ground and have a minimum visibility of 1 statute mile during the daytime. This standard ensures that pilots can safely navigate by seeing landmarks and avoiding obstacles while adhering to clear and established safety margins.

In contrast, the other visibility options exceed the minimum requirements set forth for safe VFR operations under those conditions, making them unsuitable for situations where only basic visual navigation is necessary. For example, while 2 or 3 statute miles may be useful for more complex operations or in varying conditions, the regulatory minimum is specifically 1 statute mile in order to simplify the requirements for pilots flying at lower altitudes during daylight hours.