How far must a pilot maintain a horizontal distance from clouds?

The requirement for maintaining a horizontal distance from clouds is established to ensure safe visibility and separation for unmanned aircraft operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). According to FAA regulations, a pilot must maintain a horizontal distance of at least 2,000 feet from clouds. This minimum distance is crucial for several reasons: it allows pilots to maintain visual reference to the ground and enhances safety by reducing the risk of flying into clouds where visibility can be drastically reduced, which is especially important for the operation of small unmanned aircraft. By adhering to this rule, pilots ensure that their aircraft are flying in a manner that maintains situational awareness while promoting safety in the airspace.