Why do the Class E airspace cloud clearance and visibility requirements change above 10,000 feet?

The requirements for cloud clearance and visibility in Class E airspace change above 10,000 feet because the aviation environment at higher altitudes supports different operational needs and traffic dynamics. At lower altitudes, the presence of slower aircraft can create a higher risk of collisions with both other general aviation traffic and faster, larger aircraft.

By implementing reduced visibility and cloud clearance requirements at altitudes above 10,000 feet, regulations effectively accommodate increasing operational speeds and altitudes of commercial and faster private aircraft, which typically move more efficiently in that airspace. This change recognizes that at higher altitudes, air traffic becomes more stratified, with different types of aircraft operating at different levels.

In essence, the altered requirements help manage the integration of a diverse range of aircraft types and capabilities, ensuring a safer separation between slower flying traffic and larger, faster moving aircraft that are more commonly encountered at those heights.