and note: this is the way it 'was'... it's possible things have changed since I last flew...but I tend to doubt it.
IFR required a "Flight Plan".. VFR does not... it's recommended but not required.
If you begin a flight as VFR and discover 'in route' you need to fly in IFR conditions you much contact ATC and inform them.. with a 'plan'... this even if you're IFR rated.
In this case a "Special VFR" was given meaning you can fly thru 'some' conditions under VFR Minimums... but it's NOT an IFR flight.
