Jose wrote:
Isn't this 30 *minute* reserve rule for day VFR flight a bit odd?
Wouldn't a reserve rule that stated the minimum distance you could fly in calm air be a better rule?

Probably. But I don't see the (FAA) rules as being "the best idea",
just "a minimum standard". The pilot is (rightly) called upon to apply
intellegent decision making, rather than simply following rules and
expecting roses.

As my ground school instructor keeps saying "Legal is not the same as
safe!" Words to live by. We looked at an example last night in class of
taking off in class G airspace (1 mile vis), staying under the 700 ft.
class E floor, flying out to the edge and climbing up to the 1200 ft.
class E floor (east of the Mississippi) droping back down to the 700
ft. class E floor on approach to another airport and calling for SVFR
clearance into the class E space. All legal, but definitly not smart or
safe. There are 600 + ft radio towers along the route.

John
22 hour student, soloed.