Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for special VFR operations?

1. Must have an ATC clearance

2. Must maintain a flight visibility of at least 1 statute mile

3. Must fly above clouds

4. Must not operate at night unless specific requirements are met

The correct answer is: Must fly above clouds

In special VFR operations, it is essential to recognize that one of the core requirements is to maintain visual contact with the ground at all times, which includes staying out of clouds. This is critical for ensuring pilots can navigate safely and understand their position in relation to obstacles and terrain. As a result, flying above clouds does not align with the conditions set for special VFR. Special VFR allows pilots to operate in conditions that might otherwise fall below VFR minimums, but specific parameters must be adhered to. These include obtaining an ATC clearance before conducting the flight operation, ensuring that visibility is no less than 1 statute mile, and following nighttime restrictions unless certain conditions are explicitly met. The requirement to not operate at night unless specific requirements are established reinforces the need for pilots to have adequate visual references, which is not guaranteed when flying above clouds. Thus, stating that a requirement for special VFR operations is to fly above clouds does not hold true, making it the clear choice that does not fit within the framework of those operations.