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 VFR altitudes in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) while remaining on an IFR flight plan, providing altitude flexibility.
- The "IFR to VFR-on-top" clearance is a specific tool for climbing through an overcast layer from an instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) airport to VMC above, often without a fully filed IFR plan.
- This clearance offers pilots greater altitude flexibility (within VFR rules and above the Minimum Enroute Altitude or MEA) and potential routing freedom to avoid weather or optimize flight, all while retaining IFR services and an easy transition back to full IFR.
- While operating VFR-on-top, pilots are responsible for maintaining VFR cloud clearance, visibility, and traffic avoidance, in addition to adhering to IFR rules like minimum altitudes and assigned routes.
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