FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Navigation and AirspaceHard
A pilot requests a Special VFR clearance to depart a Class D airport at night in weather below VFR minimums. According to 14 CFR 91.157, this clearance may only be granted if:
- Athe tower controller waives the requirement due to light traffic
- Bthe pilot holds an instrument rating and the aircraft is equipped for IFR flight
- Cthe flight remains within 10 NM of the airport at all times
- Dthe pilot maintains at least 3 statute miles visibility and remains clear of clouds
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. the pilot holds an instrument rating and the aircraft is equipped for IFR flight
Under 91.157, night Special VFR operations require the pilot to hold an instrument rating and the aircraft to be equipped for IFR flight, in addition to the standard 1 SM visibility and clear-of-clouds requirements.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Controllers cannot waive regulatory pilot certification or aircraft equipment requirements.
- C. There is no 10 NM distance limitation written into the Special VFR rule.
- D. Special VFR only requires 1 SM visibility, not 3 SM, and this option omits the night-specific rating/equipment requirement.
Special VFR (91.157)
A clearance allowing flight below basic VFR weather minimums within the surface area of controlled airspace, requiring 1 SM visibility, remaining clear of clouds, and at night an instrument rating with an IFR-equipped aircraft.
- Must be requested by pilot or offered by ATC.
- Not available at certain airports listed in 91.157(c).
- Daytime SVFR does not require instrument rating.
Memory trick: 'SVFR at night needs an instrument ticket to fly right.'