Bell Helicopter 222
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 5500; Flight Crew Type 400
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Airport; Airspace Structure; Weather; Procedure; Human Factors
ZZZ is a non-towered Class E Surface Area airport. Weather was IMC at the field with 2 miles visibility in blowing dust. I called Approach and reported the field was IFR and requested a SVFR clearance for entry to land. I was told; 'No; we don't do that. The field is non-controlled.' I queried the controller about the Class E Surface Area and IMC; and was denied a clearance again. I then ask for IFR handling and was told 'No.' I thought I was quite clear about this IFR request but perhaps I was not - or it didn't come out as clear as I had thought. Regardless; in my mind I was not going to be granted the requested clearance to enter controlled airspace and land due to an interpretation of Class E Surface Areas. For 30 years I have been taught this operational application of the FARs - dating back to the old Control Zones. I have actually worked this procedure in Georgia; Alabama; Oregon; South Carolina; and Alaska. I went in and landed at ZZZ after reluctantly telling the Controller my intentions. Visibility was about 1/2 when I found the approach end of the runway. Before entering the BLDU (Blind Landing Development Unit); there was a small jet in a wide left downwind and another EMS helicopter transiting the west surface area to the north. Apparently; whether IFR or VFR; no separation was going to be available in this controlled airspace. I had not encountered this before and was greatly confused. I called Approach on the phone and got the 'no SVFR' response. I called the FSDO to get educated on the changes and the representative said he needed to research it and would get back. I also called my Director of Operations to get updated on the correct procedure and this was a surprise to [the Director] as well. I am still confused as to the correct procedure.
Bell-222 pilot was denied SVFR clearance to a non-towered airport in Class E Surface airspace. Approach Control denied a subsequent request by the pilot for IFR clearance to the airport apparently due to confusion over the request for 'IFR handling.' Pilot landed visually in IMC.