VFR Question

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Hello!

I am about to do a flight from GCFV to GCLP in the TBM-930. I have a couple questions about VFR however:

  1. Would a TBM go VFR in real life? Just trying to be as realistic as possible.
  2. If I go VFR, is that realistic at all because the flight will be entirely over ocean. I won’t have much visual contact with land for 90% of the flight. Basically, would that be legal or would you go IFR. Or I have heard of ‘special VFR’ but I have no clue what that is.

Thanks a lot!

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The TBM is technically a corporate aircraft, so it can use a mix of both VFR and IFR. However, for realism I would go for IFR flight.

As stated above, go IFR for this. If you are going over a large body of water you should always use GPS or IFR. Preferably IFR.

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Ok, IFR it.

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For what it’s worth special VFR, is something given by air traffic control that allows you to operate under visual flight rules in less than visual meteorological conditions. This would be on the basis of weather conditions reported at the airport of intended landing/departure.

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@Speedbird… The TBM off the shelf has a full suite of avionics which allows Pilots choice based on climactic condition for Nav Types. Over water suggest IFR. VFR for fair Wx sightseeing for this bird. Using a commercial call sign no option IFR only by the Regs.

Now on Special VFR, Here’s the Drill:

A Special VFR Clearance is an ATC authorization for a VFR aircraft to operate in weather that is less than the basic VFR minima. Basic VFR minima are 1,000-foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility. If the reported weather is less, a pilot can request a Special VFR Clearance. SVFR must be requested they are never offered by ATC.

Special VFRSeveral conditions must be met; the visibility must be at least one statue mile, the pilot must remain clear of clouds and at night, the pilot must be instrument rated in an IFR capable aircraft.

The request for clearance can be made with either the Control Tower or Approach Control. It is not necessary to file a complete flight plan but the request should have enough detail to allow ATC to fit the flight into the traffic flow. The clearance will usually contain an at or below altitude to separate the SVFR from IFR traffic and still allow the pilot to maneuver clear of clouds.

SVFR can be an effective tool to allow a VFR aircraft to land or depart in conditions below basic VFR. On those days when there is a stubborn 900 foot cloud deck over the airport but you can see into the next county, a SVFR clearance can let you fly towards better weather. That is the most important point about a SVFR – always make sure you are flying towards better weather or have an escape plan. You never want to be trapped in marginal conditions.”

MaxSends

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