FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)Navigation and AirspaceHard
A helicopter pilot without an instrument rating requests a special VFR clearance at night to depart a Class D surface area under 14 CFR 91.157. Is this legal?
- ANo, special VFR is never authorized for helicopters under any conditions
- BYes, but only if flight visibility is at least 3 statute miles
- CYes, helicopter pilots may operate under special VFR at night without an instrument rating, unlike required for airplanes
- DNo, all special VFR flights at night require an instrument rating regardless of aircraft category
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Yes, helicopter pilots may operate under special VFR at night without an instrument rating, unlike required for airplanes
14 CFR 91.157 requires airplane pilots to hold an instrument rating for special VFR at night, but this requirement does not apply to helicopters. A non-instrument-rated helicopter pilot may operate under special VFR clearance at night.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Special VFR is authorized for helicopters, just with different requirements than airplanes.
- B. There is no fixed 3 SM minimum tied to this exemption.
- D. This overlooks the specific helicopter exemption in 91.157.
Special VFR for Helicopters at Night
Under 14 CFR 91.157, helicopter pilots are exempt from the instrument rating requirement that applies to airplane pilots operating under special VFR at night.
- Airplanes need instrument rating for night SVFR
- Helicopters are exempt from that requirement
- SVFR still requires ATC clearance and ground visibility rules
- Applies within Class B, C, D, and E surface areas
Memory trick: Helicopters get a 'night pass' that fixed-wings don't.