What does Class E airspace require for cloud clearance below 10,000 feet MSL?

Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL requires specific cloud clearance criteria to ensure safe operations for aircraft. The requirement of 3 statute miles visibility, along with the criteria of being 1,000 feet above clouds, 500 feet below clouds, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds, helps to maintain visual separation between aircraft and cloud formations. This is particularly important for pilots operating under visual flight rules (VFR), as it allows them to maintain visual reference to the ground and other aircraft while navigating in the vicinity of clouds.

These standards are set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enhance safety in shared airspace, ensuring that aircraft flying in and around Class E are able to see and avoid each other, as well as other obstacles. The combination of visibility and cloud clearance is crucial for preventing collisions and ensuring smooth operations during flight.