When flying, how far must a sUAS clear clouds horizontally?

To ensure safety and compliance with regulations, a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) must maintain a horizontal distance of at least 2,000 feet from clouds during flight. This requirement is designed to minimize the risk of collisions and to ensure the operator can maintain visual line of sight, as well as recognizing other aircraft in the vicinity.

This regulation is in place to account for the potential increase in turbulence and visibility issues that can occur in close proximity to clouds. By maintaining a 2,000-foot distance, the operator has a greater chance to spot any incoming aircraft and navigate safely. In many jurisdictions, this standard aligns with visual flight rules (VFR), which dictate how pilots should operate aircraft when visibility conditions are less than ideal. Thus, adhering to this horizontal distance is crucial for safe operations and is an essential component of responsibly managing sUAS flights, ensuring they do not interfere with manned aircraft activities.