What is considered Marginal VFR (MVFR)?

Marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions are defined by a ceiling and visibility that falls within specific ranges, which include a ceiling between 1,000 and 3,000 feet inclusive, and/or visibility between 3 to 5 miles. This classification is important, as it indicates weather conditions that may be less than ideal for visual flight rules but still allow for some level of visual navigation, albeit with caution.

Ceilings below 1,000 feet and visibility under 3 miles typically classify as IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), which requires pilots to rely on their instruments for navigation rather than visual cues. Therefore, these conditions do not fall under Marginal VFR. Similarly, conditions with a ceiling above 3,000 feet and visibility exceeding 5 miles would be categorized as VFR, as they provide ample room for flight under visual navigation. Lastly, while a ceiling of exactly 1,500 feet with normal visibility might sound reasonable, it doesn't encapsulate the broader range of conditions that define MVFR, which requires a specific range rather than an exact figure.

In summary, by identifying MVFR with the correct parameters of ceilings and visibility, pilots can better assess their operational limits and prepare accordingly for flight under varying weather conditions.