Special visual flight rules
Special visual flight rules (SVFR) are a set of
aviation regulations under which a
pilot may operate an
aircraft. A pilot can request an SVFR clearance from
air traffic control to operate within
controlled airspace when the local weather is less than the minimums required for flight under
visual flight rules. Like flight under
instrument flight rules, air traffic control will provide separation from other aircraft; unlike IFR flight, the pilot does not require an
instrument rating (for daytime SVFR flight) and the aircraft must remain clear of clouds and must maintain at least 1850m of flight visibility. The pilot continues to be responsible for obstacle and terrain clearance.
SVFR clearances only apply within Control Zones; once the aircraft leaves the zone, the flight reverts to visual flight rules and weather requirements.
An example of a use for special visual flight rules would be ground fog or mist obscuring the ground visibility at a controlled airport while
visual meteorological conditions exist above, or at to fly visually at night in control zones in countries that do not allow VFR night flight.
In the United States, special visual flight rules in night conditions can only be used when the pilot is instrument-rated and the aircraft is approved for flight under instrument flight rules. In the United Kingdom, a pilot needs a Night Qualification to fly SVFR at night - see
Night flight in the UK.
*
Controlled Visual Flight Rules*
Legal Requirements for SVFR in the United States*
Aeronautical Information Manual*
FAA 7110.65 (Air Traffic Control)
