Excellent comments from everyone (even you, Grim Reaper!
)
Since I started the thread, I suppose I should really answer myself! I've never requested SVFR. But, having seen ATCO 2's comments on the original thread, I'll definitely give it a go the next time I'm going in that direction. Assuming the viz is good enough, of course - something which no one else has mentioned is that you need 10km viz for SVFR if you don't hold an IMC/IR.
I have to admit that I'm quite surprised by the results of the poll - there is a far higher percentage of people who have done the transition than would appear to be the case from talking to people around the club-house.
As for forced landings, from looking at the chart there seem to be plenty of options to the west of Heathrow, I can't say I'm worried about that at all. I would be far more worried going through the City Class D zone, which is almost entirely yellow on my half-mil chart, except for the blue bit across the middle.
Keep the replies coming!
FFF
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