(SERA.5010)
Special VFR flights may be authorised to operate within a control zone, subject to an ATC clearance. Except when permitted by the competent authority for helicopters in special cases such as, but not limited to, police, medical, search and rescue operations and fire-fighting flights, the following additional conditions shall be applied:
(a) such special VFR flights may be conducted during day only, unless otherwise permitted by the competent authority;
(b) by the pilot:
(1) clear of cloud and with the surface in sight;
(2) the flight visibility is not less than 1 500 m or, for helicopters, not less than 800 m;
(3) fly at a speed of 140 kts IAS or less to give adequate opportunity to observe other traffic and any obstacles in time to avoid a collision; and
(c) an air traffic control unit shall not issue a special VFR clearance to aircraft to take off or land at an aerodrome within a control zone, or enter the aerodrome traffic zone or aerodrome traffic circuit when the reported meteorological conditions at that aerodrome are below the following minima:
(1) the ground visibility is less than 1 500 m or, for helicopters, less than 800 m;
(2) the ceiling is less than 180 m (600 ft).
GM1 SERA.5010(b)(2) Special VFR in control zones
ED Decision 2016/023/R
When assessing the prevailing flight visibility, the pilots should use their best judgement. The assessment should be based, for example, on the pilot’s overall flight experience, knowledge of local conditions and procedures, visible landmarks, etc. Furthermore, the pilot should possess the latest weather observations and forecasts.
