Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) is a mechanism that allows pilots to operate in conditions that are less than those required for basic VFR flight within the lateral boundaries of Class B, Class C, Class D or Class E surface areas below 10,000 feet—useful to pilots for getting in and out of airports under VFR when the weather is changing rapidly or when the weather may differ in specific directions surrounding the airport.
To request a SVFR clearance, a pilot must initiate the request and meet the following requirements:
- Have and maintain at least 1 statute mile of flight visibility
- Remain clear of clouds
- Receive an ATC clearance for SVFR
- Have at least 1 statute mile of reported ground visibility at the airport of intended landing/departure
If the pilot is requesting SVFR at night, he must also be instrument rated and the airplane must be equipped for instrument flight.
To request an SVFR clearance, the pilot should contact the Tower. In a Class E surface area, a clearance may be obtained from the TRACON servicing the airport.
