Im Special. May I Come In?

In the scenario described at the top of this article, were trying to get back to home plate in 800 overcast and two miles, somewhere in the U.S. Its a good idea to get an IFR clearance to deal with that low of a ceiling. But what if the ceiling was 5000 overcast, or unlimited, with the same two miles of visibility? Youd still need a clearance to get home, but it doesnt have to be an IFR.

Editorial Staff

Monday, June 29, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Special VFR (SVFR) is an ATC clearance permitting VFR operations in controlled airspace surface areas with reduced weather minima (1 SM visibility, clear of clouds).
While useful for localized operations in marginal conditions, SVFR strictly requires remaining clear of clouds, making it unsuitable for flights below low overcast ceilings where an IFR clearance would be necessary.
Departing SVFR is only advisable when clear VFR conditions are immediately expected; otherwise, filing IFR or delaying the flight is recommended.

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In the scenario described at the top of this article, we’re trying to get back to home plate in 800 overcast and two miles, somewhere in the U.S. It’s a good idea to get an IFR clearance to deal with that low of a ceiling. But what if the ceiling was 5000 overcast, or unlimited, with the same two miles of visibility? You’d still need a clearance to get home, but it doesn’t have to be an IFR.