What are the VFR minimums for Class C airspace at 3,000 feet?

In Class C airspace at 3,000 feet, the visual flight rules (VFR) minimums require that pilots maintain specific visibility and cloud clearance standards to ensure safe operations. The correct answer states that a pilot must have a visibility of 3 statute miles, and be at least 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.

This requirement is designed to provide a safe distance from clouds, allowing pilots to have adequate visual reference to maintain situational awareness and avoid potential conflicts with other aircraft or obstructions. The inclusion of both vertical and horizontal clearance from clouds is crucial, as it ensures that pilots can see and avoid clouds that may hinder their visibility and complicate navigation.

This standard promotes safety by ensuring that pilots can operate under VFR conditions while maintaining sufficient visibility and distance from clouds, thereby reducing the risk of encountering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The other choices do not satisfy all aspects of the required minimums, as they either lack the necessary horizontal distance or do not specify the correct vertical distances related to cloud clearance.