VFR transition in Class D with IFR reported SVFR needed?

[contactdeparture761]

So, in a recent flight sim, we had a VFR plane wanting to cut through a Class D area. The weather was technically IFR 'cause of fog near the ground, even though it was clear above. The instructor said they needed Special VFR to do it, but I thought VFR-on-top might work. Anyone got a source to clear this up?

 

[mrpotatohead]

VFR-on-top only applies to IFR flights flying above clouds, not VFR flights. Since the weather was below VFR minimums near the ground in Class D airspace, the pilot would def need to get a Special VFR clearance from ATC to legally pass through. So in this case, Special VFR is the way to go, not VFR-on-top.

 

[NeutronJ]

VFR-on-top doesn't cut it here, your instructor was right. But I do think the whole Special VFR system is outdated and overly cautious, it punishes capable pilots because some can't fly their way out of a paper bag

 

[Traffic.warden]

yeah that's strictly for IFR flight above a cloud layer while still following IFR rules. Near the ground in Class D with visibility below VFR minima, you need Special VFR clearance to legally enter and operate VFR in that airspace