Can I Fly VFR in Smoke?

In times of wildfires, note where the fires are and which way the winds are blowing.

Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 12:09 PM ET

Verified

Smoke from fires can take you by surprise. When you get your weather briefing, note where the fires are and which way the winds are blowing. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Student pilots must not fly solo in smoke if it reduces visibility below VFR minimums, Marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions, or the specific limitations set by their flight instructor (CFI).
Smoke is an "Adverse Condition" that significantly restricts visibility, potentially creating Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions which unrated pilots cannot fly solo in.
Always obtain a comprehensive weather briefing, noting fire locations and wind direction, and be prepared to divert to an alternate airport if smoke impacts flight conditions.

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Question: Are student pilots allowed to fly solo in smoke? Although the wildfires are more than 50 miles away, the smoke has been drifting over my airport. Is it legal for me to fly in smoke?

READ MORE: Why Do Pilots Use Checklists?

Answer: The real question here is: Are conditions VFR, MVFR, or IFR because of the smoke? If the conditions are IFR, and you do not have an instrument rating and are not flying on an IFR flight plan, what the heck would you be doing up there? I say this in jest, but that’s the first metric to assess.

Smoke falls under the category of “Adverse Conditions.” Per Chapter 7 of the Aeronautical Information Manual, “pilots should be especially alert for current or forecast weather that could reduce flight minimums below VFR or IFR conditions,” meaning reduced visibility. Smoke will definitely do that.