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Can planes fly over clouds?
Once in a while, the atmosphere will create a large cloud. So big, even airliners designed to fly high in the stratosphere can not climb above its reaches. Typical storm clouds range from 30,000 feet to as high as 50,000 feet, if it’s severe.
How do pilots see in the clouds?
A pilot in a cloud doesn’t rely on what he sees outside and instead looks at his instruments. They are in order: airspeed display, artificial horizon, altitude display, turn coordinator, heading (compass) and vertical speed.
Can a student pilot fly VFR Over the top?
The only regulatory restriction is that student pilots are not allowed to fly above a cloud layer without ground reference. VFR over-the-top can be a very useful tool to get above a cloud layer instead of flying in haze or restricted visibility below the clouds. But remember that you have to come back down at some point.
What kind of clouds can a VFR flight fly over?
Since the regs list a minimum distance above clouds obviously VFR flights are allowed to fly over clouds. However, it’s not clear what kind of clouds one can fly over: only individual smaller clouds, a broken layer or a solid layer. In the US does a pilot under VFR have to maintain a visual reference to the surface?
What is the difference between VFR Over-the-top and VfR at low altitudes?
It allows the pilot to change altitudes, provided VFR cloud clearances are maintained. VFR over-the-top, on the other hand, does not require an instrument rating or any kind of clearance or flight plan. The only regulatory restriction is that student pilots are not allowed to fly above a cloud layer without ground reference.
Is it safe to fly above the clouds?
Not saying you shouldn’t be above the clouds but just be very vigilant. N1120A, DaleB and GeorgiaPilot like this. I flew above a scattered layer at about 9500 ft cross the state of FL on my first cross country. As long as you can continue to make out obstacles on the ground (or major landmarks) you should be good.