CA.I.E.K4FAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Knowledge
Special visual flight rules (VFR) requirements.
Special visual flight rules (VFR) requirements.
Bottom line
Under 14 CFR 91.157(a), except as provided in appendix D, section 3, special VFR operations may be conducted under the weather minimums of that section instead of those in 91.155, below 10,000 feet MSL within the upward extension of the lateral boundaries of controlled airspace designated to the surface for an airport. Per AIM 4-4-6, an ATC clearance must be obtained prior to operating within a Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E surface area when the weather is less than that required for VFR flight.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| at least 1 statute mile, except for helicopters | Flight vis |
| at least 1 statute mile for takeoff or landing, except helicopters | Ground vis |
| between sunrise and sunset, except for helicopters, unless IFR-qualified | Time of day |
FAA references
- 14 CFR 91.157 (Special VFR weather minimums.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
- AIM 4-4-6 (Special VFR Clearances) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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- Full teaching sections: What special VFR is; The rule, paragraph by paragraph; How to request it
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