Once you’ve cleared the Class B/C/D or E surface area airspace where you obtained an SVFR clearance to exit, you’re likely in Class E airspace, where VFR minimums are the “standard” 1000 feet and three miles. You’ll need every bit of that to stay in legal VFR over non-congested areas, as shown at right.
Since VFR requirements include remaining at least 500 feet below clouds, and operating rules require us to be at least 500 feet above the surface—and the same distance from structures or people—you easily can get “pinched” between the clouds and the surface. Over congested areas, it’s even worse: You need to be 1000 feet from people or structures.
