Pilot's tip of the week

Requesting VFR On Top Clearance

Featuring John Krug

Subscriber question:

"What is the proper technique and phraseology to obtain an IFR climb to VFR-on-top clearance? Also, when filing the flight plan, should anything different be included?"- Anonymous

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John:

“A VFR-on-top clearance allows a pilot to climb through a cloud layer or some other condition of less than basic Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). Upon reaching VMC, you can either cancel the IFR flight plan or operate VFR-on-top.

VFR on TopYou can request it on the ground, usually from clearance or ground control at a towered airport. Simply ask for an IFR climb to VFR-on-top. The controller will need to know your type aircraft and direction of flight.

The clearance will usually have a clearance limit of a nearby VOR or other navaid. The clearance will also contain either a tops report or a statement that no tops report is available. Additionally, the ATC clearance may contain alternate instructions if VFR-on-top is not reached by a specified altitude.

If you file an IFR flight plan for a climb to VFR-on-top, specify the route desired and for the altitude specify OTP/altitude requested.”

For more information, see AIM Section 4-4-8.

Watch this related video from AOPA:

(NEW) VFR Mastery scenario #97 “Keeping Your Cool at Hot Springs” is now available. Two years ago, you bought a 172M with a 180 HP conversion a bit past TBO. After 100 hours you decided to overhaul, and added an engine monitor. That revealed consistently high CHTs, often hitting 430°F in the climb. Today you’re at Hot Springs, SD, with the family. It’s 85°F with density altitude near 6000′. You know that if you lean for best power the engine will get super hot. Maybe that’s fine for a short time. Or maybe keeping things cool matters more, and a full rich takeoff is safer as long as performance is adequate. Or is there a middle ground? If you wait for cooler weather, it’ll be awhile. Watch the Intro video.

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