IFR To VFR On Top

You can fly in excellent visibility above a layer of clouds, provided you have a safe way to get up and, far more importantly, a safe way to get back down.

IFR To VFR On Top

Introduction to IFR To VFR On Top

  • Along the Pacific Coast, particularly in winter, there can be dense early morning fog with visibility less than a half-mile on the runway, but the fog layer tops out in bright sun only a thousand feet higher.
  • Even the low coastal hills are above it all in clear air, as are all the inland airports.
  • Closer to home, most, if not all, airports located at the bottom of a valley can experience the same thing, particularly after a nighttime temperature inversion.
  • Instead of flying the whole flight on an IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight plan along assigned routes, you can file a flight plan for IFR to VFR-on-top.
  • File an IFR flight plan and request a climb to VFR-on-top.
  • You still go through all the complete instrument procedures of getting a clearance before you take off, reading it back, flying an assigned route or assigned departure procedure, squawking an assigned code on your transponder, and contacting a controller.
  • You depart on an instrument flight just like any other instrument flight.
    • The difference is that the instructions in your instrument clearance read something like "...departure frequency [Frequency], climb to and report reaching VFR-on-top, if not VFR by [Altitude], maintain [Altitude] and advise...."
  • Once operating in VFR conditions outside Class A airspace, you may cancel IFR with ATC and continue VFR.
  • After canceling IFR, comply with VFR rules and any applicable ATC clearances or instructions.
  • You cannot casually lapse back and forth from one to the other.
  • The controller is going to remind you of this after you cancel IFR by instructing you to "Maintain VFR".
  • If you want flight-plan search and rescue coverage after canceling IFR, file a separate VFR flight plan.
    • Activate and close that VFR flight plan with Flight Service or another capable service provider.
    • The Instrument flight plan opens automatically when cleared for takeoff.
    • It closes when you tell a controller, "Cancel IFR."
    • The visual portion of the flight plan does not automatically activate.
    • After you cancel IFR, you need to call a Flight Service radio - whose frequency is typically found on your sectional chart - and activate your VFR flight plan.
    • Then you need to either close it by phone or radio when you land.
  • If VFR-on-top is not reached by the specified altitude, follow the alternative clearance issued by ATC, or request further clearance if none was provided.
  • Also, if you don't arrive at your destination, someone will come looking for you, and they will know where to look.
  • Reinforce your understanding of IFR To VFR On Top by completing the knowledge quiz and interactive scenario, comparing your performance with the applicable Airman Certification Standards, and reviewing the topic summary before moving on.
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IFR To VFR On Top

IFR To VFR On Top Key Highlights

  • VFR-on-top is an IFR clearance that allows pilots to operate above cloud layers while maintaining visual meteorological conditions.
  • Aircraft operating VFR-on-top remain on an IFR flight plan and must comply with all applicable IFR regulations and ATC clearances.
  • Pilots accepting a VFR-on-top clearance are responsible for maintaining appropriate VFR cloud clearance and visibility requirements.
  • VFR cruising altitude rules apply when operating VFR-on-top unless otherwise assigned by air traffic control.
  • Pilots may request altitude changes while operating VFR-on-top to improve ride quality, weather avoidance, or fuel efficiency.
  • VFR-on-top operations can provide improved visibility and reduced turbulence compared to operating within cloud layers.
  • Standard IFR separation is not provided during VFR-on-top operations outside Class B airspace or a terminal radar service area (TRSA).
  • Pilots must maintain awareness of changing weather conditions and ensure continued compliance with VFR visibility requirements.
  • VFR-on-top operations are not the same as visual flight rules (VFR) flight and still require instrument currency and IFR procedures.
  • Understanding VFR-on-top operations improves weather management, IFR flexibility, and aeronautical decision-making.
IFR To VFR On Top

IFR Clearance for VFR-on-top

  • Ask ATC: VFR on Top
  • A pilot on an IFR flight plan operating in VFR weather conditions may request VFR-on-top instead of an assigned altitude.
    • Pilots are permitted to select an altitude or flight level of their choice (subject to any ATC (Air Traffic Control) restrictions).
  • Pilots desiring to climb through a cloud, haze, smoke, or other meteorological formation and then either cancel their IFR flight plan or operate VFR-on-top may request a climb to VFR-on-top.
    • The ATC authorization must contain either a top report or a statement that no top report is available, and a request to report reaching VFR-on-top.
    • Additionally, the ATC authorization may contain a clearance limit, routing, and an alternative clearance if VFR-on-top is not reached by a specified altitude.
  • A pilot on an IFR flight plan, operating in VFR conditions, may request to climb/descend in VFR conditions.
  • ATC may not authorize VFR-on-top/VFR conditions operations unless the pilot requests the VFR operation, or a clearance to operate in VFR conditions will result in noise abatement benefits where part of the IFR departure route does not conform to an FAA-approved noise abatement route or altitude.
  • When operating in VFR conditions with an ATC authorization to "maintain VFR-on-top/maintain VFR conditions," pilots on IFR flight plans must:
    • Fly at the appropriate VFR altitude as prescribed in 14 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Section 91.159.
    • Comply with the VFR visibility and distance from cloud criteria in 14 CFR Section 91.155 (Basic VFR Weather Minimums).
    • Comply with instrument flight rules that apply to this flight; i.e., minimum IFR altitudes, position reporting, radio communications, course flown, adherence to ATC clearance, etc.
    • Note that pilots should advise ATC before any altitude change to ensure the exchange of accurate traffic information.
  • ATC authorization to "maintain VFR-on-top" is not intended to restrict pilots so that they must operate only above an obscuring meteorological formation (layer).
    • Instead, it permits operation above, below, between layers, or in areas where there is no meteorological obscuration.
    • It is imperative, however, that pilots understand that clearance to operate "VFR-on-top/VFR conditions" does not imply cancellation of the IFR flight plan.
  • Pilots operating VFR-on-top/VFR conditions may receive traffic information from ATC on other pertinent IFR or VFR aircraft.
  • However, aircraft operating in Class B airspace/TRSAs must be separated as required by FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control.
    • Note, when operating in VFR weather conditions, it is the pilot's responsibility to be vigilant to see-and-avoid other aircraft.
  • ATC will not authorize VFR or VFR-on-top operations in Class A airspace.
IFR To VFR On Top

IFR To VFR On Top Interactive Scenario

Aircraft operations illustration for IFR To VFR On Top.

The Closing Layer VFR-on-Top Trip

Manage an IFR Climb to VFR-on-top as clouds build, fuel margin tightens, and a once-easy visual descent becomes an instrument arrival and diversion. Abbreviations used in this scenario: Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC); Pilot in Command (PIC); Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).

15 DecisionsScenario-Based TrainingIFR To VFR On TopConsequence-BasedRetry and Debrief
Decision 1
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Scenario Complete

IFR To VFR On Top

IFR To VFR On Top Knowledge Check

Choose the knowledge check that matches your current training for IFR To VFR On Top.

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PPL knowledge check

Core Knowledge Review

Review foundational knowledge, key concepts, and practical considerations. Topic: IFR To VFR On Top.

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IFR To VFR On Top

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