What visibility is required in uncontrolled airspace at night?

In uncontrolled airspace at night, a visibility of 3 statute miles (SM) is required for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight operations. This requirement is in place to ensure that pilots have adequate visibility to navigate safely and to avoid collisions with other aircraft or obstacles. Having a visibility minimum helps maintain situational awareness during nighttime flights when visibility can be reduced due to darkness and other factors such as weather.

In addition, having 3 statute miles of visibility allows for a safe margin to observe other air traffic and to identify landmarks or other navigational references, which is particularly crucial at night when visual references are significantly limited. Visibility requirements are designed to enhance the safety of all aircraft operating in uncontrolled airspace during these conditions. In contrast, other choices reflect lower visibility limits that would not meet the regulatory standards for night flying, thus posing greater safety risks.