What is the minimum cloud clearance and horizontal visibility for Class D airspace?

In Class D airspace, which typically encompasses the airspace around airports with an operational control tower, the minimum cloud clearance and horizontal visibility requirements ensure safe visual flight operations. The correct answer indicates that a pilot must maintain a vertical distance of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet of horizontal visibility from clouds.

This requirement helps to provide adequate separation from clouds, allowing pilots to see and avoid potential obstacles and other aircraft, which is critical for maintaining safety during visual flight. It also aligns with regulations that help to ensure that pilots can navigate effectively under visual flight rules (VFR) while operating in controlled airspace.

The other choices do not match the established regulations for Class D airspace. For example, a limit of 1,000 feet above and 3,000 feet horizontal visibility exceeds what is required. Similarly, the values of 700 feet below and 2,000 feet above do not accurately reflect the required separation from clouds and visibility needed for VFR operations in Class D airspace. Finally, only citing a horizontal visibility of 3,000 feet fails to consider the necessary vertical distance from clouds that is essential for safe operation.