ALTIMATE PILOT

    CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK)

    Weather

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    CAVOK means visibility is at least 10 km, no significant weather is reported, and specified cloud criteria are met. It does not mean the sky is cloudless or the whole route is safe for VFR.

    German term
    CAVOK (Sicht und Wolkenbedingungen OK)
    Abbr.
    CAVOK

    Example

    EDDF 011350Z 24008KT CAVOK 18/09 Q1018

    There must be no cloud below 5,000 ft above the aerodrome or the highest minimum sector altitude, whichever is higher, and no cumulonimbus (CB) or towering cumulus (TCU) at any height. CAVOK replaces the visibility, weather and cloud groups when all criteria are met. Wind, temperature and pressure are still reported; high cloud may still be present.

    In practice

    Read the rest of the report: strong wind can make a CAVOK day unsuitable. Check route weather, terrain clearance and forecasts separately; CAVOK at one aerodrome is not a route-wide VFR clearance.

    Related terms

    Official sources

    Content reviewed: 2026-11

    For general information only. Always use official sources, your aircraft's flight manual and current national rules for flight decisions.