---
kind: "section"
citation: "14 C.F.R. § 91.515"
title: "14"
number: "91.515"
heading: "Flight altitude rules."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/14/91.515"
---

# §91.515. Flight altitude rules.

- (a) Notwithstanding [§ 91.119](/cfr/14/91.119.md), and except as provided in [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section, no person may operate an airplane under VFR at less than—
  - (1) One thousand feet above the surface, or 1,000 feet from any mountain, hill, or other obstruction to flight, for day operations; and
  - (2) The altitudes prescribed in [§ 91.177](/cfr/14/91.177.md), for night operations.
- (b) **This section does not apply—**
  - (1) During takeoff or landing;
  - (2) When a different altitude is authorized by a waiver to this section under subpart J of this part; or
  - (3) When a flight is conducted under the special VFR weather minimums of [§ 91.157](/cfr/14/91.157.md) with an appropriate clearance from ATC.

## Notes

### Source

Source: Docket 18334, 54 FR 34314, Aug. 18, 1989, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40101, 40103, 40105, 40113, 40120, 44101, 44111, 44701, 44704, 44709, 44711, 44712, 44715,44716, 44717, 44722, 44740, 46306, 46315, 46316, 46504, 46506-46507, 47122, 47508,47528-47531, 47534; Pub. L. 112-95, 126 Stat. 11; Pub. L. 114-190, 130 Stat. 615 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note); sec. 828, Pub. L. 118-63, 138 Stat. 1330 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note); articles 12 and 29 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, 61 Stat. 1180.