Why is VFR special?

“A Special VFR Clearance is an ATC authorization for a VFR aircraft to operate in weather that is less than the basic VFR minima. Basic VFR minima are 1,000-foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility. If the reported weather is less, a pilot can request a Special VFR Clearance.



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Why Do Pilots Prefer IFR Over VFR? IFR provides pilots with greater flexibility when it comes to controlled airspace, weather conditions, and career opportunities.

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SVFR flights may only be conducted during daytime. Horizontal visibility must be greater than 1500 m (800m for helicopters) Ceiling must be greater than 80 m (600 ft) Maximum speed in order to anticipate conflicts by visual observation is 140 kts IAS.

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A visual flight rules (VFR) aircraft on a long, straight-in approach for landing never enters the traffic pattern unless performing a go-around or touch and go after landing (see paragraph 9.5). referring to the AIM and the PHAK.

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You can only conduct special VFR operations in controlled airspace below 10,000 MSL at an airport that has airspace extending down to the surface. Many Class C and B airports (listed in FAR 91) don't accommodate Special VFR clearances for IFR traffic separation reasons.

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This brings us to IFR (instrument flight rule) pilots. IFR flying is astronomically more challenging than VFR flying, but those pilots who achieve this distinction are invariably more equipped to fly IFR and VFR. Aviating under IFR, a pilot is authorized to fly into clouds in what is called zero visibility.

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IFR flying is astronomically more challenging than is VFR flying, but those pilots who achieve this distinction are invariably better and safer pilots, both when flying IFR and when flying VFR. Aviating under IFR, a pilot is authorized to fly into clouds in what is called zero visibility.

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Airline pilots spend their entire careers operating under IFR. They don't worry about minimum visibility requirements or how close they are to clouds. With few exceptions, they never think about asking permission to enter the airspace. Once they've planned and been cleared for a route, it's pretty cut and dry.

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