An airplane pilot without an instrument rating may not request or accept a special VFR clearance to operate at night. Does this same restriction apply to a helicopter pilot without an instrument rating?
- ANo, 14 CFR 91.157 specifically exempts helicopters from the instrument rating and equipment requirements for night special VFR operations
- BNo, helicopters may operate under special VFR at night without an instrument rating as long as airspeed is 90 knots or less
- CYes, the instrument rating requirement for night special VFR applies equally to helicopters
- DNo, but only helicopters operated for air ambulance purposes are exempt
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. No, 14 CFR 91.157 specifically exempts helicopters from the instrument rating and equipment requirements for night special VFR operations
14 CFR 91.157(b) requires pilots (other than in helicopters) to hold an instrument rating and operate an IFR-equipped aircraft to take off or land under special VFR at night. Helicopters are specifically excluded from this restriction, allowing a VFR-only rated helicopter pilot to conduct night special VFR operations under appropriate conditions.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. There is no airspeed-based condition attached to this exemption; it invents a nonexistent limitation.
- C. This is incorrect; the regulation contains an explicit helicopter exception.
- D. The exemption applies to helicopters generally, not just to a specific mission type like air ambulance.
Special VFR Night Exemption for Helicopters (91.157)
14 CFR 91.157 requires an instrument rating and IFR-equipped aircraft for special VFR operations at night, except helicopters are exempt from this instrument rating and equipment requirement.
- Applies to takeoff/landing under special VFR at night
- Airplanes require instrument rating + IFR equipment at night
- Helicopters are specifically excluded from this restriction
- Basic SVFR minimums (1 SM, clear of clouds, ATC clearance) still apply
Memory trick: Airplanes need an instrument ticket after dark for SVFR — helicopters get a free pass.