What is the required horizontal distance jumpers must maintain from clouds at or above 10,000 feet MSL?

The requirement for maintaining a horizontal distance from clouds at or above 10,000 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level) is established to ensure the safety of jumpers and to avoid collisions with clouds or other aircraft. At this altitude, jumpers must maintain a distance of one mile horizontally from clouds. This rule is in place because clouds can obscure visibility and create hazardous conditions for parachutists, who must have clear sightlines to safely navigate and assess their landing zones.

The distance of one mile allows for sufficient space to avoid any issues associated with cloud cover, such as reduced visibility or the potential for entering clouds, which can be dangerous. A greater distance might be specified at lower altitudes or for different conditions, which ensures that the risk of encountering unexpected weather phenomena is minimized.

In contrast, the other distances provided in the options do not meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for skydiving regulations, as they either fall short of or exceed the necessary distance for safety protocols.