Definition
The section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 91) that establishes the conditions under which a pilot may operate under a Special VFR (SVFR) clearance. It permits flight in controlled airspace at or below 10,000 feet MSL within the lateral boundaries of Class B, C, D, or E surface areas when weather is below standard basic VFR minimums, provided the flight remains clear of clouds and has at least 1 statute mile of flight visibility, ATC issues a clearance, and (at night) the pilot and aircraft are instrument-rated and instrument-equipped.
Plain English
It is the FAA rule that lets a pilot fly into or out of an airport when the weather is too poor for normal VFR, as long as ATC gives permission, the pilot stays clear of clouds, can see at least one mile, and (at night) is instrument-qualified.
Context Anchor
Seen when studying basic VFR weather minimums, especially the exception called Special VFR.
Derivation
Section comes from a Latin word meaning “to cut.” In regulations, a section is one cut-out or numbered part of a larger rule set. Here, 91.157 means Part 91, section 157 of the federal aviation regulations.
Why Pilots Care
Allows pilots to continue VFR flight in marginal weather conditions with ATC approval, expanding operational flexibility while maintaining safety.
Intuition Check
Do not read “section” here as just a part of a textbook chapter. In this context, section 91.157 means a specific federal aviation regulation with legal requirements.
Example Sentence 1
With the airport reporting a 900-foot ceiling, the pilot requested a Special VFR departure under section 91.157 and was cleared to leave the Class D surface area.
Example Sentence 2
Before flying below VFR minimums in controlled airspace, the student reviewed section 91.157 to ensure compliance with special VFR rules.