Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Retractable Gear
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure; Weather
I was assigned to take a mechanic from LCH to ZZZ. Got weather briefing and knew of convective weather in the area. I called LCH Tower and requested VFR flight following to 2L0 and received taxi instructions to Runway 15. As I began to taxi; I noticed the wind sock standing up straight; facing the west; indicating an approximate 20 KTS crosswind to Runway 15. I asked to taxi to Runway 23 due to wind and was told to stand by. The Controller then stated field was about to go IFR. After a couple of minutes; the Controller said disregard and to taxi to Runway 23. I completed my run up and requested takeoff for Runway 23 with an immediate turn to northeast to avoid precipitation west of airport. The Controller stated field was IFR and I requested SVFR to the northeast. The Controller stated stand by. After a minute or two; the Controller came back and gave an SVFR clearance to the northeast with incorrect phraseology and cleared me for takeoff. Upon takeoff; I went IMC with heavy rain and visibility at less than 1/4 mile. I transitioned to instruments and turned the northeast and cleared weather in approximately 5 minutes and entered VMC conditions and safely finished the flight. I would recommend ATC review this event and the Controller's performance.
General Aviation departure from LCH questioned the performance of ATC with regard to runway assignment based upon wind conditions and SVFR procedures/phraseology.