Fright Level

Thanks for the info on the SVFR from L2K. Now that I think about it most of my special VFR has been with the CI which is class A. Are the minimums any different for our class D SVFR?

Are the minimums any different for our class D SVFR?

Yes, 5km and clear of cloud below 3,000 feet for our Class D. Any less and it's a SVFR or IFR clearance.

More info here: http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/64/ATS%20A...sification.pdf

Thanks FL. You said that the minimum for class D was 5k and 1500m, any less and it's a SVFR clearance, that's what I meant do these limits go lower for SVFR in class D.

I was aware of the chart but thanks anyway. Strange the chart doesn't show SVFR in class A which is what happens in the CI.

Just trying to make sure of my minimums.

Thanks for the help.

Special VFR as such does not require a particular minimum in-flight visibility, just clear of clouds and in sight of the surface. However:

* ATC will have reported weather minima below which SVFR clearances for arrival and departure cannot be issued. By default these are met visibility 1800 m and cloud ceiling 600 ft, though local regulations may require higher

* Licence privilege limitations require that an IMC rated pilot maintain an in-flight vis of at least 3 km, and pilots without an instrument qualification 10 km (hence, for the latter group, SVFR tends to be used only in class A, because in class D a VFR clearance would be available).

In most places outside the UK where class A CTRs are unknown, SVFR is used only in sub-VMC weather by pilots unable or unwilling to fly IFR.

OK I think I'm getting there now,

Class A SVFR IMC rated 3k vis, non IMC rated then 10K vis.

Class D SVFR IMC rated 1800m vis, non IMC rated 5K vis.

So when L2K offered me a SVFR departure it was probally because the VFR minimum of 5k had lowered to something less than that, but that seems odd as I thought they didn't recognise the IMC.

Just to add a bit more confusion, recently I visited Southampton in great weather but my clearance into and out of was SVFR. On the other hand when I have transited Gatwick zone no mention of SVFR and usually I get put on a radar control service.

Thanks for the help as I quite like the SVFR flights it adds a little extra challenge for a VFR pilot.

No, that's not what I said. In your words:

Class A SVFR Instrument-rated no restriction, IMC rated 3k vis, non IMC rated then 10k vis.
Class D SVFR Instrument-rated no restriction, IMC rated 3k vis, non IMC rated then 10k vis.

The airspace class makes no difference.

Le Touquet has no idea what your ratings are. Below 5 km reported met vis, they cannot offer you VFR, only SVFR. It's up to you to refuse a clearance that you cannot legally accept.

Top tip for LTQ is to get there before 10am, if it's a nice weekend.

After that, the Brits take the place over.

Otherwise, go on a weekday.

And, no, I have never understood SVFR :)

Sorry I think it was FL that said it was 5K vis. The chart he posted up does seem to show 5K for VFR in class D.

IO i'm glad it's not just me. I must sound like a complete beginner but I've had my license 3 years now done almost 500hrs plenty of SVFR but I still seem to be a bit muddy on the rules with SVFR. If I keep asking hopefully I'll get there in the end.:)

Hi,

Another good tip is that you can check the ATIS by phone before you leave to get the latest weather and runway info. Phone 0033321066284.