Canadian Aviation Regulations

602.117 (1) Notwithstanding paragraph 602.114(b), an aircraft may be operated in special VFR flight within a control zone if

• (a) weather conditions preclude compliance with paragraph 602.114(b);

• (b) flight visibility is not less than

  • (i) one mile, where the aircraft is not a helicopter, or

  • (ii) one-half mile, where the aircraft is a helicopter;

• (c) the aircraft is operated clear of cloud and with visual reference to the surface at all times; and

• (d) authorization to do so has been requested and obtained from the appropriate air traffic control unit.

(2) Where aerodrome traffic permits, an air traffic control unit shall authorize a pilot-in-command to operate an aircraft in special VFR flight within a control zone if

• (a) the pilot-in-command requests authorization to operate the aircraft in special VFR flight;

• (b) when reported, ground visibility within the control zone is not less than

  • (i) one mile, where the aircraft is not a helicopter, or

  • (ii) one-half mile, where the aircraft is a helicopter;

• (c) the aircraft is equipped with radiocommunication equipment capable of maintaining communication with the appropriate air traffic control unit; and

• (d) when the aircraft is operated during the night, the authorization is for the purpose of allowing the aircraft to land at the destination aerodrome.