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https://www.flyingmag.com/technique/tip-week/special-vfr/

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I don't know about the pilot's quals, but if they were approve to fly in low-vis...

Some lives worth more than others?

Because why wouldn't you fly IFR with those conditions?

I lived in Santa Monica. I know about the fog. My husband was a VFR rated general aviation pilot. Once, when he had a trip planned with our kids but conditions were not favorable for VFR, he hired an instrument rated pilot to fly them out of the area to another airport, and then he took over as pilot.

It will be interesting to hear whether the pilot flying the helo had an instrument rating and enough experience to know what he was doing.

So sad. Reminiscent of the JFK, Jr. tragedy.

Why he didn't just file an IFR flight plan in the marginal weather is a mystery unless he couldn't get a timely slot to fly.

he stated this model of helicopter was definitely IFR rated, but they didn't at all get into the idea of whether the pilot was or not, and that was something I didn't even consider.

Per the story naming him and sending condolences

was what people call scary.

just seem to be unsafe. never been in one. don't want to either.

While I'm not thrilled about flying as a passenger in an airplane, I do it. Helicopter? No way.

They're great. Never seemed the least bit unsafe.

I probably wouldn't think that if I'd been flying in less than optimal conditions. I don't recall ever boarding a chopper on other than a beautiful day, now that I think about it. Most of my flights were with a skydiving club so we wouldn't have been up on a crappy day. And, it was Arizona, so that helped. (one or two flights in Korea too, for different reasons, but again always nice weather)

I think it's insane that they flew in fog in a mountainous area.

According to historical statistics, flying in a helicopter is about 9 times safer than riding in a car.

You’re not going to fly in fog or with limited visibility without an instrument rating.

He was a passenger.

Per huffpo article:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kobe-bryant-helicopter-crash-victims_n_5e2eeb29c5b6779e9c37a5a4


Ara Zobayan
Bryant’s private pilot Ara Zobayan was flying the helicopter when it crashed, reported multiple outlets. He was an instrument-rated pilot and was qualified to fly in fog, reported Fox 5 San Diego.

Zobayan’s friend Jared Yochim mourned the loss on Facebook, recalling him as an “incredible pilot ... and truly great man” who was “always cool, calm and collected.”

Yochim described Zobayan’s death as a tragedy for an entire community, adding: “Ara impacted so many people and only in a positive way. I’m sorry that you never got to meet him. You would’ve loved him, I promise.”

It is a modification of standard Visual Flight Rules with additional restrictions. Any flight and/or pilot that can satisfy the more stringent requirements can request Special VFR. This is not like the pilot asked for a favour because he had a VIP on board which seems to be what people are thinking.

https://pilotworkshop.com/tips/special_vfr_clearance/

“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.

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.”

is way outside reality.

We can’t keep it right in 2D.

What makes them think we’ll be okay in 3D?

He never took us up in bad weather.

He had some harrowing stories of when he was caught up in a bad weather turn.

But the investigation will make those determinations, people are still mourning, let them have their time, premature speculation doesnt mean much right now

That's it.

Supposedly an experienced, qualified pilot who was also an instructor. JFK Jr. Was not at that level.

I lived all over L.A. for 20+ years. Beach fog could extend inland. Makes no sense why he would have been flying so low in adverse conditions in proximity to the Calabasas hills. Was he star struck by flying Kobe and not paying attention?

just saying!

The pilot might have done it because it was quicker, but if you can file IFR it's safer than SVFR, which is pretty crappy visibility.

Or, pilot may not have been current.

Pilot was IFR current.

Many rules were broken when Joan Rivers had that procedure that killed her. Rules for flying, medical procedures, courtrooms, etc. were made for a reason. Making exceptions can be very dangerous.

I could ask for SVFR if I wanted to. "Is it safe? " Is a different question.
The line between SVFR and scud running ( flying below minimums) is very smal, and leaves little room for error.

he was "scud running", in other words, trying to fly visually while barely remaining clear of the clouds. I have flown military helicopters and jet airliners. This pilot was the only pilot on board (single pilot). It would have been VERY challenging for him to have flown the helicopter on instruments without a copilot. Instead, he was trying to navigate visually in very marginal weather conditions in a mountainous area. Not a good situation to put you and your passengers in.

They didn;t get what we non-pilots would think of as 'special approval.'

And special VFR is not un-common.

It's complicated..
Here is one link ...

https://www.thinkaviation.net/special-vfr-clearance/