Altitude Query

[blobber]

IFR - Minimum Levels Except when necessary for take-off or landing, or except when specifically authorized by the appropriate authority, an IFR flight shall be flown at a level which is at least 1000 ft (300 m) above the highest obstacle located within 5 nm (9.25 km) of the estimated position of the aircraft; except that the United Kingdom regulations do not apply to an aircraft operating under IFR and flying at an altitude not exceeding 3000ft (900 m) if that aircraft is clear of cloud an in sight of the surface.
Is this 3000AMSL? What happens if Ground level is 3000AMSL?

Same question for VFR - OCAS below 3000ftAMSL clear of cloud. What if the Ground Level is 3000AMSL? Do the same rules apply upto 1000ft AGL?

Thanks

[jackcarls0n]

the altitude is in AGL

[madlandrover]

Altitude is elevation amsl, height is elevation agl. Memorise those and all the questions become easier... So the 3000' is altitude, while the 1000' rule is height.

[FlyingForFun]

"Altitude" always refers to above see level.What happens if Ground level is 3000AMSL?In that case, it would be impossible to use this exemption.

(This is quite sensible, actually, once you realise the main use of the exemption. In the UK, all night flight outside controlled airspace must be IFR. If you don't hold an instrument qualification, then you must maintain 3km viz and clear of cloud, so effectively you're flying visually, but you must still follow the Instrument Flight Rules.

Over most of the UK, the terrain is low enough that most visual flight will be below 3000'. Therefore, if flying visually at night, you will be exempt from this particular rule. About the only places where the terrain is high enough to force you to fly above 3000' are mountainous areas. And if you're flying in mountainous areas at night, then you probably ought to be flying 1000' above the highest obstacle within 5 miles - basically that means flying at or above your MSA - anyway.)

FFF
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