Safety Spotlight: Is it safe?

It was, however, a fair question. The procedure is not well known, the circumstances for when it is needed and appropriate are unusual, and the surrounding flight conditions have been historical problem areas for general aviation pilots. Besides, a hallmark of a good safety environment is that anyone feels comfortable questioning anyone else about a situation or a decision. Such conversations help us evaluate our decisions, gain some knowledge, and share our experiences.

Special VFR is a clearance to fly VMC in controlled airspace with less than basic VFR minimums. The procedure must be requested by the pilot and is granted by ATC. In Class B, C, and D airspace with an operational control tower, the request should be made directly with the tower. In Class E surface area, clearance can be granted by center, or the nearest tower. Special VFR clearances are lower priority for controllers and will only be granted if there is no conflict with operating IFR traffic. Controllers will usually need some time to analyze and develop a sequence; therefore, upon first request, pilots can expect a response such as “Stand by and remain VFR.”

For the right pilot, in the right aircraft, under the right conditions, special VFR is perfectly safe and a good option to have in your arsenal. As with many things in flying, just because you can fly special VFR doesn’t mean you should. The circumstances need to be conducive. First, if you are a new or rusty pilot, or new to your airplane, file this away for now as interesting information. Build some time and build your skills before you consider flying special VFR. In any kind of low-ceiling or low-visibility situation, things can go wrong rapidly—and with limited IMC flying skills or limited experience, the situation could get away from you quickly. Be mindful that flying into instrument conditions as a VFR pilot often ends tragically. Special VFR should only be considered by pilots who meet the recency and frequency threshold. If you’ve flown a lot, and you’ve flown a lot recently, you are likely not just current (legal), you probably are proficient (safe). Special VFR is an unusual procedure that should only be flown by proficient pilots.

Even proficient pilots need to carefully consider the circumstances before flying special VFR, and must have good options. The procedure is designed as a temporary clearance to assist pilots transiting controlled airspace when weather outside the controlled airspace is VFR. Particularly for departing aircraft, pilots should not attempt to depart under special VFR if there is any uncertainty about weather beyond the controlled airspace.

My situation that foggy Monday morning was optimal. I launched from Lynchburg, Virginia, with three hours of fuel for a one-hour flight into my home field, Frederick Municipal Airport, in a Navion I’d flown for more than nine hours that weekend with six different stops (recency and frequency). I departed with good VFR weather, and the forecast called for VFR conditions at Frederick close to my arrival time. With weather clearing from the west, I had plenty of good options for airports in the vicinity, and ASOS updates en route confirmed the weather was clearing as forecast and my alternates were VFR. I held outside the Frederick Class D airspace, utilizing Potomac Approach for flight following. With a visual on Frederick, but clouds and visibility over the field below VFR minimums, the situation was why the special VFR procedure was created. I could see the field and the ground, and could easily remain clear of clouds; I just needed a temporary clearance for reduced cloud clearances and visibility to fly in and land.

For the right pilot, in the right aircraft, under the right conditions, special VFR is perfectly safe and a good tool to have in your kit. However, it is a procedure surrounded by elements that have historically elevated risk for general aviation pilots and therefore deserves careful consideration and good backup options.

Summertime presents some interesting flight conditions, and special VFR is one more tool to help you fly safely. Review the special VFR procedures in the Aeronautical Information Manual and FAR Part 91, get comfortable with the procedures before you use them, and go fly!