What is the main purpose of a cloud clearance requirement in aviation?

The primary purpose of a cloud clearance requirement is to maintain separation from clouds and other aircraft. This is crucial for both safety and adherence to visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR). When pilots are required to remain clear of clouds, it ensures that they have adequate visibility to see and avoid potential obstacles, terrain, and other aircraft.

In controlled airspace, these rules help to reduce the risk of mid-air collisions by ensuring that aircraft maintain a safe distance from clouds, which can obstruct visibility. Pilots must be able to maintain situational awareness and identify other traffic, which is more challenging if they are flying in or too close to clouds.

While visual references during landing and seeing the runway are important factors in flight operations, they are not the primary focus of cloud clearance requirements. Similarly, minimizing turbulence can be a consideration during flight operations, but it is not directly tied to the need for cloud separation. Thus, the focus on maintaining separation from clouds and other aircraft is crucial for operational safety in aviation.