Which ATC facility should a pilot contact for a special VFR departure clearance in Class D airspace?

For a special VFR departure clearance in Class D airspace, the pilot should contact the Air Traffic Control Tower. The reason this is the correct choice is that the Air Traffic Control Tower is responsible for managing the aircraft operating in and around the airport environment, including departures and arrivals under visual flight rules (VFR). Class D airspace is defined as controlled airspace extending from the surface to a specified upper limit, and it typically surrounds an airport with an operational control tower.

When a pilot requires a special VFR clearance, it indicates that they wish to operate in this controlled airspace under visual flight rules while the visibility may be below standard VFR minimums. Therefore, only the control tower authority can grant this type of clearance, as they have the relevant information and situational awareness about the air traffic in the vicinity.

The other options relate to air traffic management but do not have the direct authority to issue special VFR clearances. Ground Control manages surface operations on the ground and does not handle departures. Approach Control provides services for aircraft arriving at and departing from terminal areas but does not issue special VFR clearances for departures from the airport. Flight Service Stations provide pilot briefings and can assist with flight plan services but do not have the