Sage-Tips

Can a student or recreational pilot request a special VFR clearance in Class D airspace when visibility is less than three miles explain your answer?

Can a student or recreational pilot request a special VFR clearance in Class D airspace when visibility is less than 3 miles? No, student pilots must have at least 3 statute miles of visibility as well as the ability to maneuver using ground references.

When can student pilots use SVFR?

Yes. As has already been pointed out a student pilot cannot act as PIC when the visibility is less than three miles, but you could use SVFR when low ceilings preclude maintaining minimum cloud clearance.

Can student pilots fly SVFR?

At night, an SVFR clearance requires that the pilot be instrument rated and the airplane be equipped for instrument flight. An SVFR clearance only permits the pilot to operate in substandard VFR weather minimums in the selected airspace. You also learned that a student pilot cannot request SVFR on a solo flight.

What is the difference between a sport pilot and a recreational pilot?

Recreational pilots typically fly from their “home airport”, fly during the day, and with only one additional passenger. The Sport Pilot is limited to planes with lower take off weight (smaller, lighter aircraft) with no more than two seats. Sport pilots require a minimum of 20 hours of flight training.

What can a student pilot do?

Student pilot certificates allow students to fly the plane by themselves, with instructor sign-off. This is a big step in the aviation journey and should not be taken lightly. The time logged flying under the student pilot certificate is PIC (or pilot in command time).

Can you request special VFR?

If the reported weather is less, a pilot can request a Special VFR Clearance. Several conditions must be met; the visibility must be at least one statue mile, the pilot must remain clear of clouds and at night, the pilot must be instrument rated in an IFR capable aircraft.

Where can you get special VFR?

You can get SVFR into larger airports as well, like Class D, C, and even some B airports. However, many Class C and B airports don’t allow SVFR – they’re listed in FAR 91, Appendix D, Section 3.