Originally Posted by
ATC Watcher
No, you can fly VFR under lower reduced visibility /ceiling condiions (e.g. VFR special) and even lower ones in helicopter , but never in IMC conditions. My point here is that separation with terrain in VFR is always visual, not using instruments ,and this whether you are in normal or reduced VMC . And we not talking about inadvertently becoming IMC in VFR, a different discussion.
Have not read the report but it would not surprise me to find out that the TAWS was intentionally turned off to prevent nuisance warnings in a mountainous airport. We used to do that in a previous job as it was distracting. At some airports, it is a requirement to get close to terrain for takeoff and landing. We already know that there is terrain close to us.
Of course, you better know what you are doing, regardless of the availability of TAWS.