Definition
An instrument flight procedure that is not published for general public use and requires specific authorization, training, and equipment before a pilot or operator may fly it. Special procedures are developed for particular operators, locations, or operational needs (such as helicopter approaches to hospital helipads or off-airport sites) and access is restricted to those who have been individually approved.
Plain English
An instrument approach or departure that is not in the standard public chart books. Only pilots and operators who have been specifically trained and authorized to use it are allowed to fly it.
Context Anchor
Seen in IFR heliport discussions, especially where a helicopter approach or departure is built for a particular site or operator rather than for general public use.
Derivation
"Special" comes from the Latin specialis, meaning "individual" or "particular" (rather than general). That captures the idea well here: the procedure is not for everyone, it is built for a particular operator or use.
Why Pilots Care
Enables safe IFR helicopter operations at sites where standard procedures would be unsafe or impossible.
Intuition Check
Do not read “special” as meaning “better” or merely “unusual.” In this context, it means specifically approved and limited to authorized users.
Example Sentence 1
The EMS operator's pilots completed dedicated training before being cleared to fly the special procedure into the trauma center helipad.
Example Sentence 2
Special procedures at this rooftop heliport include higher minimums because of surrounding buildings.