You should advise ATC before any altitude change when operating VFR-on-top. This ensures ATC can provide accurate traffic information and separation. VFR-on-top is not permitted in Class A airspace.
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VFR flight is not allowed in airspace known as class A, regardless of the meteorological conditions except after failure of two way radio communications or during declared emergencies such as VFR traffic attempting to avoid severe weather formations.
Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace all have VFR weather minimums, but Class A is different. Since VFR travel, including SVFR, is not allowed in Class A airspace, there are no weather minimums to be aware of. All Class A flights are flown under ATC control and using instruments.
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).
You 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.
No person may operate an aircraft under basic VFR when the flight visibility is less, or at a distance from clouds that is less, than that prescribed for the corresponding altitude and class of airspace.
Within Class A airspace, the aircraft must be equipped with a two-way radio (and you must remain two-way communication with ATC) and an altitude reporting transponder (Mode C). If you are navigating with the use of VORs, DME will be required above 24,000ft MSL.
Requirements to fly in Class A Airspace:An altitude-encoding transponder. An instrument rating and IFR flight plan. An aircraft that is appropriately equipped for instrument flight.
Private pilots, however, are permitted to fly in every airspace class except for Class A, which requires an instrument rating. Private pilots who do have an instrument rating, however, are allowed to fly in Class A, but they cannot exceed 18,000 feet in altitude.
VFR cruising altitude rules in the US and CanadaOn a magnetic course of 0-179 degrees shall fly at an odd thousand ft MSL altitude +500 feet (e.g., 3,500, 5,500, or 7,500 ft); or. On a magnetic course of 180-359 degrees shall fly at an even thousand ft MSL altitude +500 feet (e.g., 4,500, 6,500, or 8,500 ft).
The VFR Cruising Altitude rule does not apply below 3,000 feet AGL. There are some altitudes, however, that pilots seem to choose for level flight. Close to sea level they are 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500. They are easy to read and remember on an altimeter.
Prudent pilots typically set higher weather minimums for night VFR flights. FAR 91.157—In order to get a Special VFR clearance at night, you must have an instrument rating, an instrument-equipped airplane, 1 mile visibility, be able to remain clear of clouds, and a Special VFR clearance from air traffic control.
Well, as most of you under the FARs are aware—not to say used to—in the United States it is perfectly legal to fly VFR without any visual contact with the ground. As long as you maintain the minimum VFR requirements regarding visibility and cloud clearances, you are good to go—all you need is a natural horizon.
A night rating permits an aircraft pilot to fly at night under visual flight rules. The alternative is flight by instrument flight rules (IFR), under which visual reference to terrain and traffic is not required.
No flight plan is necessary as long as the weather is good (VFR) at your departing airport. Having said that some restrictions apply: 1) some airports have towers and you need to ask the tower for permission to enter the runway to make sure you won't conflict with landing traffic.
A Proper Takeoff CallFirst, let them know who you are, where you are, and then what you'd like to do. Try to give them as much information as possible so they can plan appropriately.
Yes and No. The decision is up to the Captain and Cabin crew. As everyone else have already mentioned, yes you may be allowed before the flight take-off or after the flight lands but definitely not during mid-flight.