Special Topics

Connor, Collin, Adam and Jake

Overview
Special VFR
Cruise Clearances
Contact Approaches
VFR On Top
Special VFR
When the weather ain't
so great

Low Vis and Ceiling

1-3 SM, 1,000 ceiling

Special VFR
Why would I use a special VFR
clearance?

Departure
Enroute
Arrival
Special VFR
How do I get a special VFR Clearance?

Must be in controlled airspace

ATC
Class G* - not allowed
Special VFR
Airspace rules

Class B
Class C
Class D
Class E
Class G*
Special VFR
Special VFR at Night

Instrument rated

Phraseology example
Cruise Clearance
Allots pilots a block of Specified altitude
altitude

From MEA up to and

including the specified
altitude.

Clears pilot for any approach

MEA
at the destination.
Cruise Clearance
Climbs and descents at
pilots discretion.

Further clearance is
required after the pilot
reports leaving an
altitude.
Cruise Clearance
Phraseology:

Cessna 220WC, cleared direct to Ogden cruise 12,000

Contact Approach
A contact approach is an approach into an airport in lieu of a standard or
special Instrument approach

Pilot must make the request.

Example: Seminole N978WC
request contact approach

Airport MUST have IFR procedures.

Contact Approach
ATC will then issue the approach, they can terminate the clearance if
the deem the situation unsafe.

Example: Seminole 8WC Cleared contact approach (and, if

required) at or below(altitude) (routing)if not possible (alternative
procedures) and advise

Pilot required to have: 1 SM visibility and clear of clouds,must remain

VFR. Pilot must advise ATC if unable to continue.
Contact Approaches
ATC will provide IFR/SVFR separation.
Pilot assumes all responsibility for obstacle clearances.

This type of approach is not designed to:

Be used on an IFR clearance to an airport
with no IAPs.
Approach one airport, terminate and
continue to a different airport.
VFR on Top
VFR on top is an IFR clearance given to
aircraft on an IFR Flight plan that happens
to be operating in VMC.
Not to be confused
with VFR over the Top
VFR on Top

When acting under a VFR on Top Clearance,

the pilot must maintain all VFR visibility,
cloud clearance and traffic separation
requirements, and maintain appropriate VFR
cruising altitudes.
VFR on Top
Requesting a VFR on Top Clearance
Notifying ATC of VFR conditions
They will respond Maintain VFR On Top at this
altitude, report leaving VFR conditions
In the remarks section of a flight plan
Can be used for departing IFR and
Cruising VFR
Usually given in conjunction with a cruise
clearance
Wrap Up
Special VFR
Cruise Clearances
Contact Approaches
VFR on Top

Any Questions?