Originally Posted by
IamNew
This is probably a silly question, but I don't understand this portion of the transcript with ATC (bold is by me):
Helicopter: Van Nuys. Helicopter 2EchoX, we are currently with you for the special VFR transition. We are currently at 1,400 [feet].
Van Nuys airport tower: Helicopter 2EchoX, Van Nuys tower. Wind calm, visibility 2½. Ceiling 1,100 overcast. Van Nuys altimeter’s 30.16. Cleared into Van Nuys Class Delta, northeast of Van Nuys along the 118 Freeway westbound. Advise when you’re in VFR conditions or when you’re clear of the Van Nuys Class Delta. Transition when you’re at or below 2,500 [feet].
Helicopter: 2EchoX-ray. Advise in VFR condition, and then we stay on the 118. We’re currently at 1,400 [feet], and we have 0235.
Van Nuys tower: Helicoper 2EchoX, thank you. And once you’re clear of Van Nuys Delta, did you want to talk to SoCal?
Helicopter: Affirmative. 2EchoX.
Helicopter: Tower for 2EchoX-ray, can we start go ahead and turn toward the southwest for the 101?
Van Nuys tower: Helicopter 2EchoX-ray, approved, and are you transitioning in VFR conditions?
Helicopter: VFR conditions, 1,500 [feet]. 2EchoX.
How were they in SVFR at 1400 if the Van Nuys ceiling is 1100? Weren't they already in then clouds then? And then she asks if they are transitioning in VFR conditions and he says yes they are but at 1500? Seems conflicting to me yet ATC doesn't seem concerned.
Hi IamNew,
The simple answer is that the official current weather for Van Nuys (ceiling, visibility, temp, etc) is observed and/or measured at a specific location on the airport. The visibility and cloud height(s) in other areas of the Van Nuys Class D airspace may be -- and often are -- quite different than the officially recorded weather. For the controller, if the pilot says he is "VFR" then the controller will, in most cases*, accept the pilot's statement, as that aircraft certainly could be in VFR conditions at 1400' or 1500', even if the official ceiling (where that observation or measurement was taken) is 1100'. Which is also why she sounds "unconcerned"; it's not an unusual situation in itself. ( *Subject to certain conditions under which the controller may not issue clearance but we don't need to get into that in this example)
grizz