14 CFR · Part 91
14 CFR § 91.157
Special VFR weather minimums.
In Brief
What It Is
The reduced "Special VFR" weather minimums that let you operate VFR in controlled surface-area airspace below 10,000 ft MSL when you cannot meet basic VFR.
Why It Matters
Special VFR is a useful but easily-misused tool; its conditions are strict, and it exists to get you into or out of an airport safely, not to scud-run cross-country.
FlightPush summary.
Except as provided in appendix D, section 3, of this part, special VFR operations may be conducted under the weather minimums and requirements of this section, instead of those contained in § 91.155, below 10,000 feet MSL within the airspace contained by the upward extension of the lateral boundaries of the controlled airspace designated to the surface for an airport.
Special VFR operations may only be conducted—
With an ATC clearance;
Clear of clouds;
Except for helicopters, when flight visibility is at least 1 statute mile; and
Except for helicopters, between sunrise and sunset (or in Alaska, when the sun is 6 degrees or less below the horizon) unless—
The person being granted the ATC clearance meets the applicable requirements for instrument flight under part 61 of this chapter; and
The aircraft is equipped as required in § 91.205(d).
No person may take off or land an aircraft (other than a helicopter) under special VFR—
Unless ground visibility is at least 1 statute mile; or
If ground visibility is not reported, unless flight visibility is at least 1 statute mile. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term flight visibility includes the visibility from the cockpit of an aircraft in takeoff position if:
The flight is conducted under this part 91; and
The airport at which the aircraft is located is a satellite airport that does not have weather reporting capabilities.
The determination of visibility by a pilot in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section is not an official weather report or an official ground visibility report.
Referenced By
Interpretations of This Section (3)
Advisory Circulars (1)
Documents that cite this section, found in their catalog metadata or text. Listed by date, not by significance.
Regulations Referenced
Reflects the eCFR edition current as of July 6, 2026. Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.
Primary Source