Special VFR (SVFR) — SERA.5010

General (ICAO)

ICAO Annex 2 §4.2 Special VFR Flight: SVFR is a special ATC clearance for VFR flight within a CTR, when standard VMC minima cannot be met but visual conditions still allow safe flight.

SVFR requirements

During special VFR visual reference to the terrain must be given:

Pilot can see ground / prominent features.
Reduced visibility and cloud distance permitted.

SVFR minimum conditions

Visibility: typically ≥ 1.5 km.
Clear of clouds.
Daytime (in most states).
ATC clearance mandatory.

When needed?

A clearance for a special VFR flight for take-off, landing and into a control zone is required when a ceiling of 900 ft prevails:

Normal CTR VFR: ceiling ≥ 1500 ft AGL.
Ceiling < 1500 ft AGL → SVFR clearance needed.

Europe (EASA / EU)

SERA.5010 Special VFR in control zones:

Applies only in CTR.
ATC may grant or refuse SVFR.
Pilot must explicitly request SVFR.
Minimum visibility 1.5 km for helicopters.
Minimum visibility 1.5 km for fixed-wing in daytime.
At night: SVFR usually not permitted (except special licence).

Germany (national)

SERA applies directly. SVFR often used at uncontrolled fields under CTR special agreement in Germany.