Dave.Touretzky%CMU-CS-A@sri-unix.UUCP (06/23/83)
If a VFR pilot gets a special VFR clearance, he is still flying VFR, i.e. controlling the airplane by use of visual references. At least, let's hope he's using visual references, because if he isn't he's in violation. Remember that SVFR requires you to remain clear of clouds at all times. It's true that controllers treat special VFR differently, e.g. they will only allow one aircraft in the CZ at a time if that aircraft is operating special VFR, but that has nothing to do with logging time. To log actual instrument time you must control the aircraft SOLELY by reference to instruments. That means either being in cloud, or being in conditions such that there is no visible horizon, e.g. on top of an overcast in very hazy conditions, or over the ocean at night. So even if you're an IFR pilot operating on an IFR flight plan in a control zone with less than 3 miles visibility, if you can see the ground and make out a horizon, you can't log the time as actual instrument conditions. -- Dave Touretzky, CFI-A, IGI
dwl@hou5e.UUCP (06/29/83)
Let's clarify a few terms: VFR does not imply or require that the aircraft be flown by visual references! VISUAL FLIGHT RULES require that the flight be conducted in weather conditions meeting the VFR minimums for the airspace in which it is operating. They apply to any flight where Air Traffic Control is not relied upon to provide separation. It is perfectly legal to fly under visual flight rules while navigating by VOR, and maintaining aircraft attitude by reference to flight instruments. (It is also required that the pilot or a safety pilot be able to see and avoid other air traffic.) IFR means that Air Traffic Control is assuming the responsibility for separating the flight from other IFR traffic. It does not require that the flight be in instrument meteorological conditions. It is perfectly legal to fly under Instrument Flight Rules, with an ATC clearance, and navigate visually. Separation from VFR traffic remains the pilot's responsibility, as it is in VFR flight. Instrument time may be logged when flying without visual references, whether or not the flight is conducted under IFR. An instrument rating is only required for operation under IFR. Flight time under IFR but in visual conditions may not be logged as instrument time. -Dave Levenson -ABI, Holmdel