When can you use special VFR?


When can you use special VFR? John: “A Special VFR Clearance is an ATC authorization for a VFR aircraft to operate in weather that is less than the basic VFR minima. Basic VFR minima are 1,000-foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility. If the reported weather is less, a pilot can request a Special VFR Clearance.


Where is special VFR not allowed?

You can only conduct special VFR operations in controlled airspace below 10,000 MSL at an airport that has airspace extending down to the surface. Many Class C and B airports (listed in FAR 91) don't accommodate Special VFR clearances for IFR traffic separation reasons.


Can VFR fly above 10000?

VFR flight is based on the principle of “see and avoid.” The presumption made in establishing the basic VFR weather minimums is that aircraft flying at lower altitudes (i.e., below 10,000 MSL) and/or in airspace with radar approach control and/or an operating control tower (i.e., Class B, C, and D airspace) will be ...


Can a student pilot ask for special VFR?

In the daytime, provided the airport allows SVFR (some do not—they are listed in the Aeronautical Information Manual), a student pilot can request special VFR—but remember, as a student, you are still bound by FAR 61.89, which states you cannot act as pilot in command when flight or surface visibility is less than 3 ...


Can an IFR pilot fly at night?

A night rating permits an aircraft pilot to fly at night under visual flight rules. The alternative is flight by instrument flight rules (IFR), under which visual reference to terrain and traffic is not required.


When can you not fly VFR?

No person may operate an aircraft under basic VFR when the flight visibility is less, or at a distance from clouds that is less, than that prescribed for the corresponding altitude and class of airspace.


What is the 1 in 60 rule in VFR?

It states that for each degree off (or displacement) over a distance of 60 nautical miles (NM), it will result in 1 NM off course.


Can a student pilot fly in marginal VFR?

Although private pilots can make MVFR flights, it's advised that they avoid doing so without experience making MVFR flights with an instructor, unless they're industry rated.


Can student pilots fly VFR over the top?

The only regulatory restriction is that student pilots are not allowed to fly above a cloud layer without ground reference. VFR over-the-top can be a very useful tool to get above a cloud layer instead of flying in haze or restricted visibility below the clouds.


Can you fly VFR at 3000 feet?

The VFR Cruising Altitude rule does not apply below 3,000 feet AGL. There are some altitudes, however, that pilots seem to choose for level flight. Close to sea level they are 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500. They are easy to read and remember on an altimeter.


Can a student pilot fly solo at night?

A student pilot may not operate an aircraft in solo flight at night unless that student pilot has received: (1) Flight training at night on night flying procedures that includes takeoffs, approaches, landings, and go-arounds at night at the airport where the solo flight will be conducted; (2) Navigation training at ...


How high can a VFR pilot fly?

VFR pilots can fly between 3,000 to 18,000 ft.


Can you fly VFR without seeing the ground?

Well, as most of you under the FARs are aware—not to say used to—in the United States it is perfectly legal to fly VFR without any visual contact with the ground. As long as you maintain the minimum VFR requirements regarding visibility and cloud clearances, you are good to go—all you need is a natural horizon.