Special VFR
Great September 2023 article on Special VFR (SVFR) by Elim Hawkins. I can see how this might become a well-worn tool for VFR-only pilots and a rusty unused one for IFR pilots. As an instrument pilot in an instrument plane who’s already operating on an IFR flight plan, I would never choose the SFVR option on approach. But I can see where it would come in handy when waiting to depart on a beautiful morning impeded by both traffic delays and a localized fog layer over the airport.
On approach to an airport, I wouldn’t choose this option without first considering the contact approach. These first two instances are often referred to as “legalized scud running” due to all the hazards that the pilot is freely accepting. In either case, the one mile and clear of clouds is not a get-out-of jail-free, carte-blanche invitation to violate legally defined Minimum Safe Altitudes. You need to have “ground contact” at 1000 feet or better until in a position to make a normal descent to a landing.
