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A Special VFR Clearance can get you into or out of an airport with low ceilings and visibility. But do you know when you can use it, and if it's even a good idea? Requirements For A Special VFR ClearanceTo get started, let's look at normal VFR cloud clearance requirements. FAR 91.155 (c) says that: Except as provided in FAR 91.157, no person may operate an aircraft beneath the ceiling under VFR within the lateral boundaries of controlled airspace designated to the surface for an airport when the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet. So what does that really mean? If you're flying into or out of an airport that has Class E, D, C or B airspace to the surface, you need a minimum of 1,000' ceilings to operate under VFR. If the ceilings are less than 1,000', you're going to need an IFR clearance to get in or out...or you're going to need a Special VFR clearance. If an airport is reporting lower than 1,000' ceilings, but you determine you can safely fly to or from the airport, an SVFR Clearance may come in handy. The first step is to figure out the minimum weather you need for Special VFR. According to FAR 91.157, it's:
There's a lot of judgment that goes into flying under an SVFR clearance, and it's best used for localized weather that's hovering at or near the airport. You should never use SVFR to scud run or push your limits in bad weather, however, if you find yourself in rapidly changing conditions, or if the airport is sitting under a small, localized cloud layer, SVFR may be a good way to get yourself safely on the ground. Who Can Get A Special VFR Clearance?If you're a non-instrument rated private pilot, you can use a Special VFR clearance from sunrise to sunset. But what happens when the sun goes down? Do You Have Your Instrument Rating?SVFR is possible at night, but the requirements go up significantly: you must be qualified for instrument flight under FAR 61, and your aircraft must be equipped for instrument flight. Basically, you need to be ready to go IFR. This makes sense, right? 1 mile of visibility at night is not a lot to work with. If you meet these qualifications and an instrument approach is available, picking up an IFR clearance is usually the safest option. Who Should You Call For Clearance?If you've decided SVFR is an option, who do you call? If you're flying into a tower controlled field, the tower is a great place to start. Depending on where you are, they may need to coordinate with an approach or center facility, but they can usually coordinate the clearance. And if you're flying into a non-towered airport, Flight Service is a great place to start. While Flight Service can't give you an SVFR clearance, they can coordinate with the Air Traffic Control facility that is in charge of the airspace where you're headed. FSS is a great place for VFR pilots to start because their frequency is marked on VFR charts, unlike center and approach control frequencies that you might have to dig for in an Airport Facility Directory or an approach chart. When you call Flight Service, you'll ask them for a Special VFR clearance. Then, they'll call up ATC, get the clearance, and relay it back to you. Who Actually Uses Special VFR?Now that we've covered all of this, who actually uses Special VFR? The Coast Guard, for one. Coastal airports (especially West Coast) often have ceilings under 1,000', but Coast Guard helicopters typically operate lower than 1,000' anyway. The solution? Instead of picking up an IFR clearance, they can pick up a Special VFR clearace, fly out of the surface area of the airport, then cancel their SVFR clearance and operate in Class G airspace (which is 1SM, clear of clouds at 1,200' AGL and lower). Can You Get SVFR In Bigger Airports?You can get SVFR into larger airports as well, like Class D, C, and even some B airports. However, many Class C and B airports don't allow SVFR - they're listed in FAR 91, Appendix D, Section 3. Have you ever picked up a SVFR Clearance? Tell us why in the comments below. Ready to start your airline career? Want to fly an E-170/175? Get started and apply to Republic Airways today.
Become a better pilot. Posted by: ASA on October 17, 2016
This week we’ll expand on what we’ve discussed about regulations. Chapter 19 in the brand-new fourth edition of The Pilot’s Manual Volume 2: Ground School has a great overview of the FARs you’ll need to know. Beyond that, of course, is our FAR/AIM; the complete up-to-date set of aviation regulations. Today, we’ll feature an excerpt from the fourth edition of the PM-2C. Basic VFR Weather Minimums
This can seem very confusing and not just to the beginning pilot. Yet it really is pretty simple for most general aviation pilots, because below 10,000 feet, the following rules comply with all airspace ceiling and visibility requirements—maintain 3 SM visibility:
The requirements are slightly less restrictive in Class G airspace, with a less restrictive daytime visibility below 10,000 feet MSL (1 statute mile only) and, below 1,200 feet AGL by day a less-restrictive separation from clouds (clear of clouds, with no distance-from-cloud requirements). In Class B airspace aircraft are required to remain clear of clouds. In Class C, D, E and at night, Class G airspace, aircraft are required to maintain a minimum distance of 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds. Also, in Class G airspace, when the visibility is less than 3 statute miles but not less than 1 statute mile during night hours, an airplane may be operated clear of clouds if operated in an airport traffic pattern within one-half mile of the runway. Special VFR Weather Minimums
To take off or land at any airport in Class B, C, D and E airspace under special VFR, the ground visibility at the airport must be at least 1 statute mile. If ground visibility is not reported, then the flight visibility during takeoff or landing must be at least 1 statute mile. A noninstrument-rated pilot may be issued a special VFR clearance by day but, to operate under special VFR at night, you must be instrumentrated, instrument-current and flying in an IFR-equipped airplane. ATC may issue a special VFR clearance Airports in Class B, C or D airspace have a control tower from which you can request a special-VFR clearance. Airports in Class E airspace do not have a control tower, but your request for special VFR can be relayed via Flight Service Station to the ATC facility responsible for that Class E airspace (only ATC, and not a Flight Service Station, can issue an ATC clearance, although a Flight Service Station may relay it to you). Special VFR is prohibited at some airports (see 14 CFR, Part 91). VFR Cruise Altitude or Flight Level
(You can memorize this as “West Evens, East Odds, plus 500 feet,” or “WEEO+500.”) VFR cruise altitudes and flight levels above 3,000 feet AGL. |
What is the minimum in flight visibility and distance from clouds required for an airplane operating less than 1200 feet AGL under special VFR?
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