Friday, October 23, 2026 · Morning warm-up
Capt. Mike's Question of the Day.
Two questions for the Transport Canada pilot written exams every day: a morning warm-up and an evening Captain's Challenge. Each one answered, explained and cited, free. Tap your answer to see how you did.
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Capt. Mike: Here's the question I asked that day. Tap your answer.
When in VFR flight within a Control Zone, a pilot must remain clear of cloud by at least
Question 13.04 of TP 11919E, Department of Transport, Canada; reproduced with the Department's permission.
TC's answer
2500 feet vertically and 1 mile horizontally.
Explanation
A control zone is controlled airspace, so CARs 602.114(c) applies: "the distance of the aircraft from cloud is not less than 500 feet vertically and one mile horizontally". In a control zone, 602.114(d) also requires ground visibility (when reported) of at least 3 miles and, except when taking off or landing, a height of at least 500 ft above the surface.
Memory tip: Control zone = controlled airspace: 500 ft and 1 mile from cloud.
Source
CARs 602.114(c) and (d) – Minimum VMC for VFR Flight in Controlled Airspace; TC AIM RAC 2.7.3 Table 2.2.
Question 13.04 of TP 11919E, Study and Reference Guide: Student Pilot Permit or Private Pilot Licence for Foreign and Military Applicants, Aviation Regulations (7th ed., December 2022), Department of Transport, Canada; reproduced with the Department's permission. The keyed answer agrees with Transport Canada's published answer key (December 2022); the explanation is TC Exam Prep's.
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