What is the minimum distance below a cloud you must fly?

The minimum distance you must maintain below a cloud is 500 feet. This regulation ensures that the drone operator has adequate visual reference to the ground, which is essential for safe flight and navigation. Maintaining this distance helps prevent collisions with clouds, which could impair visibility and situational awareness. The regulation aims to create a buffer zone that enhances safety for both the unmanned aerial vehicle and other air traffic by ensuring that operators do not inadvertently enter cloud cover, where they might lose sight of their surroundings and their drone.