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Why would you request VFR-on-top?
According to the FAA’s Instrument Flying Handbook (IFH), “pilots on IFR flight plans operating in VFR weather conditions may request VFR-on-top in lieu of an assigned altitude. This permits them to select an altitude or flight level of their choice (subject to any ATC restrictions).”
When should I request a VFR-on-top?
VFR on Top
- Must be requested by the pilot on an IFR flight plan, and if approved, in VFR, allows the pilot the choice to select an altitude or flight level in lieu of an assigned altitude.
- Pilots desiring to climb through a cloud, haze, smoke, or other layer may cancel their IFR flight plan to operate VFR-on-top.
Can a VFR pilot do VFR-on-top?
“The short answer is yes. You may legally fly on top as long as you can maintain the appropriate VFR cloud clearances. VFR-on-top is conducted by an instrument-rated pilot on an IFR flight plan. It allows the pilot to change altitudes, provided VFR cloud clearances are maintained.
Can you fly VFR-on-top in Class A?
Minimum en route altitudes exist regardless of IFR or VFR weather conditions and weather assigned a specific altitude or VFR conditions on top. VFR-on-top is not authorized in Class A airspace. Altitudes as prescribed by 14 CFR Part 91, Section 91.159 must be maintained.
How do I activate my VFR flight?
Once you have filed your Flight Plan, you may either activate it on the ground by calling 1-800-WX-BRIEF, or in the air by communicating with a Flight Service Station over the radio. If you filed online through Flight Service, you will be emailed a link to open your flight plan using the Leidos EasyActivate service.
What are the requirements for VFR flight?
Basic VFR Weather Minimums cloud ceiling at least 1,000 feet AGL; and. ground visibility at least 3 statute miles (usually measured by ATC but, if not available, flight visibility at least 3 statute miles as estimated by the pilot).
In aviation, visual flight rules (VFR) are a set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going.
What is VFR Over-the-top?
Flying VFR over a cloud layer is what is known as VFR over-the-top. VFR over-the-top is very different from VFR-on-top, many people incorrectly use the two terms interchangeably. VFR-on-top is conducted by an instrument-rated pilot on an IFR flight plan. It allows the pilot to change altitudes, provided VFR cloud clearances are maintained.
What is a climb to VfR on top request?
Requesting A “Climb To VFR-On-Top” VFR-On-Top is a request you need to initialize with ATC. You can request to climb through clouds, haze, smoke, or other weather layers with the intent of either operating “VFR-On-Top”, or cancelling your IFR clearance after you reach VFR conditions.
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 is the best VFR to fly over mountains?
VFR-Over-The-Top is great when you have to pass through a mountain range but the weather and terrain prohibit you from going through the mountains at a low level. If you can get up above the clouds and terrain, you can get past the mountains. Pilots in the Pacific Northwest use it to get on the other side of the Cascade mountains all the time.