FAA Ground School Practice Test

Which ATC facility should the pilot contact to receive a special VFR departure clearance in class D airspace?

1. Air Traffic Control Center

2. Air Traffic Control Tower

3. Flight Service Station

4. Control Flight Service

The correct answer is: Air Traffic Control Tower

To receive a special VFR departure clearance in Class D airspace, the appropriate ATC facility to contact is the Air Traffic Control Tower. Class D airspace is typically associated with airports that have a control tower, and the tower is responsible for managing the air traffic in and around the airport, including takeoffs and landings. When a pilot requests a special VFR clearance, they are looking to depart under visual flight rules (VFR) in conditions that are below the standard VFR minimums. The tower has the authority to grant such clearances and provide the necessary instructions for a safe outbound departure while ensuring overall safety in the congested airspace. Other choices like the Air Traffic Control Center and Flight Service Station are not designed to provide clearances for departures in Class D airspace. The Control Flight Service does not exist as a specific facility and may confuse students as it is not a standard term used in ATC operations. Thus, the Air Traffic Control Tower is the definitive authority in this scenario for handling special VFR requests.