Special VFR (SVFR) clearances must be requested by the pilot and are granted on a traffic-permitting basis, with IFR operations taking precedence and potentially causing delays.
SVFR clearances are available in Class B, C, D, and E surface areas, where ATC provides separation between SVFR and IFR flights within the airspace, but not after the aircraft leaves.
An SVFR clearance will not specify a flight altitude, as pilots must remain clear of clouds, though it may include an "at or below" altitude instruction due to other traffic, ensuring minimum safe altitude.
If you still have questions after perusing FAR 91.157, the FAA’s Aeronautical Information Manual may help. Highlights from its discussion (at para. 4-4-6) include:
1. Pilots must request an SVFR clearance; ATC won’t offer it (although controllers may hint at it: ”Is there anything special we can do for you today?”).
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