Special VFR and Crossing Airways for a new PPL
Hi. Hope for a little help as this is confusing me. My understanding of Special VFR for a new PPL (with no IMC or IR) is that it is only useful for entering Class A CTR's? Thom's book makes reference to Special VFR providing concessions in poor weather for Class D airspace, though as minma for entry to Class D is less than that for Special VFR (eg 10km vis for a basic PPL), when else is a new PPL going to need it?
Second point is crossing the base of airways for the same PPL. Obviously it's good practice to request crossing the base of an airway, though how far below is this considered to be required (say up to 1000ft below?) to 1. necessitate clearance request and 2. have to cross at right angles. It prompts the question, why would someone want to get so close to the base?