In the Los Angeles basin, there is a phenomenon called the marine layer. Low clouds move in from the ocean and create IFR conditions at the airports close to the shoreline. At Santa Monica Airport, the ATIS may report 700 feet overcast, but that may mean that there is an overcast layer on the ocean-side portion of the runway while the inland side will have CAVU conditions. Time to request a special VFR clearance.
Any private pilot flying below 10,000 feet can request a special VFR clearance from ATC and, if the clearance is granted, need only stay out of the clouds – no minimum distance is required. The ground visibility requirement is also reduced to one statute mile from the general three statute miles for VFR flight in controlled airspace. Essentially, the weather minimums are brought down to Class G airspace requirements below 1,200 feet: one statute mile visibility and clear of clouds.
