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.
People Also Ask
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.
Yes, you can fly VFR over the top of a cloud deck as long as you can maintain 1,000 ft.above the clouds. No clearance is necessary, however you still are flying VFR and must see and avoid other aircraft. The one problem is finding a hole large enough to descent through and still maintain VFR cloud separation.
VFR aircraft also must maintain a horizontal distance of 1sm from clouds while operating in Class E at and above 10,000ft. Below 10,000ft, the increase in TAS is reduced due to the lower altitudes. Therefore, the minimum forward flight visibility can be reduced from 5sm to 3sm.
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.
500 ft rule. An aircraft must maintain an altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
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.
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.
An altimeter setting can be obtained form AWOS/ASOS/ATIS or Flight Service. 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.