Term
Definition
Weather Criteria
The following weather criteria applies to fixed wing aircraft:
(Amphibious)
Case I Ceiling no lower than 3,000 feet and visibility not
less than 5 nm
Case II Ceiling no lower than 1,000 feet and visibility not
less than 5 nm (These minimums can be lowered by the
ship's commanding officer for special operations)
Case III Ceiling below 1,000 feet or visibility less than 5 nm
or ceiling and visibility below Case II minimums set by ship's
commanding officer for special operations
The following weather criteria applies to helicopters:
Case I Ceiling no lower than 1,000 feet and visibility not
less than 3 nm
Case II Ceiling no lower than 500 feet and visibility not less
than 1 nm
Case III Ceiling less than 500 feet or visibility less than 1
nm
Weather Criteria
The following weather criteria applies to carrier operations:
(Carrier)
Case I Ceiling no lower than 3,000 feet and visibility not
less than 5 miles
Case II Ceiling no lower than 1,000 feet and visibility not
less than 5 miles
Case III Ceiling below 1,000 feet or visibility less than 5
miles
Refer to CV NATOPS Manual, NAVAIR 00-80T-105, for helicopter
weather criteria during carrier operations.
ZIP LIP
A condition that may be prescribed for flight operations during
daylight VMC under which positive communications control is
waived. Radio transmissions between aircraft and between pilots
and control agencies are held to the minimum necessary for flight
safety.
For carriers COD aircraft are exempted from ZIP LIP unless
specifically noted in Overhead Message
For amphibious operations ZIP LIP may be prescribed during
night VMC
Table 11-1 -- Shipboard operations terms and definitions
11-9
