How do I request VFR over the top?

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. The clearance will usually have a clearance limit of a nearby VOR or other navaid.



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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).

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VFR-on-top is conducted by an instrument-rated pilot on an IFR flight plan. It allows the pilot to change altitudes, provided VFR cloud clearances are maintained. VFR over-the-top, on the other hand, does not require an instrument rating or any kind of clearance or flight plan.

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As a pilot performing a VFR flight and departing from a controlled airfield, you must contact the ATC before taxi in order to have the initial VFR clearance. You will obtain this clearance from a ground or tower controller. In other airports, you may ask the approach controller to obtain your clearance.

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The Regulations You Need To Follow
  • You must fly at the appropriate VFR altitude as prescribed in FAR 91.159.
  • You must comply with VFR visibility and distance-from-cloud criteria prescribed in FAR 91.155.
  • You must comply with IFR regulations applicable to your flight.


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VFR over-the-top (OTT) refers to flying over top of clouds in visual flight, rather than with reference to instruments. This is usually done for brief amount of time to avoid weather or turbulence.

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In the daytime, provided the airport allows SVFR (some do not—they are listed in the Aeronautical Information Manual), a student pilot can request special VFR—but remember, as a student, you are still bound by FAR 61.89, which states you cannot act as pilot in command when flight or surface visibility is less than 3 ...

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VFR pilots can fly between 3,000 to 18,000 ft.

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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. (This is not the same as “VFR-on-top,” which is actually a type of IFR clearance.) You can't see the ground, but GPS makes it easy to know where you are.

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In some countries, VFR flight is permitted at night, and is known as night VFR. This is generally permitted only under more restrictive conditions, such as maintaining minimum safe altitudes, and may require additional training as a pilot at night may not be able to see and avoid obstacles.

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If repeated solo cross-country flights to an airport within 50 nautical miles are to be made over the same route, an endorsement to comply with 14 CFR 61.93(b)(2) is required in the student's logbook.

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Class A. IFR flights only are permitted, all flights are provided with air traffic control service and are separated from each other. Class B. IFR and VFR flights are permitted, all flights are provided with air traffic control service and are separated from each other.

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ATC will not authorize VFR or VFR-on-top operations in Class A airspace.

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VFR flights above FL 290 are forbidden in RVSM airspace. The maximum VFR flight level is ICAO defined. According to your national regulation (AIP), it may be different.

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In the United States, the maximum altitude for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flights is generally 18,000 feet MSL (Mean Sea.

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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.

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