Forgive me for butting in, I'm not a regular in that area so I don't know it at all. But I seem to recall that it's Class G airspace underneath a Class D CTA? In which case, you are not SVFR. In fact, I'm sure I read a memo from ATC somewhere suggesting that pilots listen out on a frequency (Manchester App?) rather than calling for FIS, which would seem to confirm that you're not SVFR?
I've just had a quick look through the AIP to see if there is an exemption in there, but I couldn't find anything....
The 1500' rule is not advisory, it is mandatory, but there is a rumour that it's going to be decreased to 1000' some time soon, in which case this isn't an issue. The glide clear rule (and the obvious safety implications) are not changing, though.
FFF
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