Which Part 107 limitation is measured from the control station rather than from the aircraft?

Part 107 measures its limitations from two different reference points, and knowing which applies where resolves a family of exam questions. Minimum flight visibility of three statute miles is assessed from the control station — the pilot's own position — because the requirement exists so the pilot can see the aircraft and see other traffic approaching it. The other limits attach to the aircraft: cloud clearance is measured from the aircraft to the cloud, altitude is measured from the aircraft to the ground or to the structure it is operating near, and groundspeed of 100 miles per hour is the aircraft's speed over the ground. The practical consequence is that a distant weather observation can never satisfy the visibility requirement — the pilot must make that determination from where they are standing, whatever an airport 25 miles away is reporting.

Minimum flight visibility of three statute miles is assessed from the control station, since the requirement exists so the pilot can see the aircraft and approaching traffic.

Part 107 limits reference different points: flight visibility is assessed from the control station, while cloud clearance, altitude and groundspeed are measured with respect to the aircraft.

Visibility From Where You Stand; everything else from where the aircraft is.

This is why a distant METAR informs but never satisfies the visibility requirement. The determination is yours from the control station.

• •Measuring visibility from a reporting station rather than the control station
• •Reversing the reference point for cloud clearance
• •Assuming all Part 107 limits share one reference