Definition
The section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that authorizes Special VFR (SVFR) operations, allowing a pilot to operate within controlled airspace at an airport when weather is below standard VFR minimums, provided certain conditions are met — including ATC clearance, clear of clouds, at least 1 statute mile flight visibility, and (at night) the pilot and aircraft being instrument-qualified.
Plain English
This is the rule that lets a pilot legally fly into or out of an airport when the weather is too poor for normal VFR but better than full instrument conditions. The pilot must get permission from ATC and follow specific weather and equipment limits.
Context Anchor
Seen in weather-minimums discussions, especially when studying Special VFR clearances around airports in controlled airspace.
Derivation
‘14 CFR’ means Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which covers Aeronautics and Space. ‘Part 91’ is the section governing General Operating and Flight Rules — the everyday rulebook for most civilian flying. ‘Section 91.157’ is the specific rule within that part dealing with Special VFR. Knowing the structure (Title → Part → Section) helps pilots find any regulation quickly.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing these minimums lets pilots decide whether they can legally depart or arrive under Special VFR when standard VFR weather does not exist.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just a page reference. It is a legal rule number. In this context, the citation points to the regulation that controls when Special VFR may be used.
Example Sentence 1
With the ceiling at 800 feet and visibility 2 miles, the pilot requested a Special VFR clearance under 14 CFR part 91, section 91.157 to depart the Class D airspace.
Example Sentence 2
Before requesting a Special VFR clearance, the pilot reviewed 14 CFR part 91, section 91.157 to verify the weather met the regulatory threshold.