There are actually two pieces to this. There’s the clearance to maintain altitude “VFR-on-top” itself, but there is also the variation mentioned in “Tame the Fog Monster” last month, the IFR departure to VFR-on-top. Both are useful tools that deserve a closer look.
On Top of The World
Key Takeaways:
- VFR-on-top is an IFR clearance that allows pilots to fly at self-selected VFR altitudes in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) while maintaining an IFR flight plan, often used to climb through IMC layers into VMC.
- This clearance provides pilots with greater altitude flexibility (e.g., to avoid icing or turbulence, or for passenger comfort) and can facilitate more direct routing by shifting primary responsibility for traffic and wake separation to the pilot.
- While offering flexibility, VFR-on-top requires adherence to VFR cloud clearance and visibility rules (14 CFR 91.155) and IFR regulations like minimum altitudes and assigned routes, and is not available in Class A airspace.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
