Section 91.515 - Flight altitude rules(a) Notwithstanding § 91.119 , and except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate an airplane under VFR at less than-(1) One thousand feet above the surface, or 1,000 feet from any mountain, hill, or other obstruction to flight, for day operations; and(2) The altitudes prescribed in § 91.177 , for night operations.(b) This section does not apply- (1) During takeoff or landing;(2) When a different altitude is authorized by a waiver to this section under subpart J of this part; or(3) When a flight is conducted under the special VFR weather minimums of § 91.157 with an appropriate clearance from ATC.