Can a student pilot fly special VFR?

A student pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft when flight or ground visibility is less than 3 statute miles during daylight conditions, ref: 61.89(a)(6). Therefore, he can not request a special VFR clearance. The same is true for a Sport pilot and Recreational pilot.



No, under FAA regulations (14 CFR 91.157 and 61.89), a student pilot is strictly prohibited from requesting or flying under a Special VFR (SVFR) clearance. Special VFR allows pilots to operate in controlled airspace with as little as 1 statute mile of visibility and "clear of clouds" when weather is below the standard 1,000-foot ceiling or 3-mile visibility. However, because student pilots are still in training, they are required to maintain much stricter weather minimums to ensure safety. A student pilot must have at least 3 miles of visibility during the day (and 5 miles at night) and must be able to visually identify the ground at all times. Requesting a Special VFR clearance is considered a "judgment call" reserved for private pilots or those with instrument ratings. If a student pilot finds themselves in deteriorating weather, their only legal and safe option is to divert to a clearer airport or return to their origin—never to "scud run" using a Special VFR clearance.

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A student pilot may not operate an aircraft in solo flight at night unless that student pilot has received: (1) Flight training at night on night flying procedures that includes takeoffs, approaches, landings, and go-arounds at night at the airport where the solo flight will be conducted; (2) Navigation training at ...

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No person may operate an aircraft under basic VFR when the flight visibility is less, or at a distance from clouds that is less, than that prescribed for the corresponding altitude and class of airspace.

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A cross-country solo flight must consist of: Flight of 50 nautical miles total point to point distance from the departure airport to another airport. There is also a long cross country required that must be: flight of 150 nautical miles total distance.

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