Question: I am a private pilot without an instrument rating. I learned about Special VFR (SVFR) in ground school, but I am wondering if anyone really uses it? Why not just go IFR?
Answer: Special VFR is a way for a person with a private pilot certificate but not an instrument rating to get into or out of an airport.
For SVFR the weather at the airport must be reported as a ground visibility of at least 1 sm, and the pilot can be reasonably sure of remaining clear of clouds. The pilot must request Special VFR—the tower can’t offer it, in part because they don’t know if it’s possible to remain clear of clouds. Only the pilot can answer that.
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At night, the aircraft has to be equipped for instrument flight per cFAR 91.205(d), and the pilot needs to possess an instrument rating—and be ready to use it, so current and preferably proficient.
Also, there are some airports that do not permit SVFR. They are listed in FAR 91, Appendix D, Section 3.
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