I've searched and can't find a technical definition of an
"FAA cloud".

The FAA usually feels that they don't have to define commonly used English
words. Webster's or Oxford already does that job nicely.

So, you're telling me that I'd have to stay 1000 feet away from a cloud
the size of, say, my Subaru? How 'bout a basketball?

How about something you can see through to the other side? Is that
"cloud" or "haze"?

Mary and I have just spent a few minutes discussing the meaning of the
FAA cloud rules, and have come to this conclusion:

A "cloud" shall henceforth be defined as something that a plane can
hide behind -- period. If it can be seen through, or is small enough
so that an aircraft can't hide behind it, we shall not deem it to be a
"cloud", but shall rather refer to it as a "puffie" -- which we will be
allowed to play in.

:-)

Seriously, I think this definition gets to the spirit and meaning of
the FAR -- after all, the rule is there primarily to separate aircraft
-- and makes the most sense in practical terms.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"