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VFR on Top Explained: How It Really Works in IFR Flight

Few IFR concepts generate as much confusion as “VFR on top.” Some pilots think it means canceling IFR, others treat it like a cruise clearance, and many misunderstand who is responsible for altitude selection and separation.


In reality, VFR on top is a unique hybrid authorization that combines IFR clearance with VFR altitude freedom—while keeping the flight firmly under IFR control.


Understanding exactly what VFR on top allows (and what it doesn’t) is critical for legal, safe, and efficient instrument flying.



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What Is “VFR on Top”?

VFR on top is an IFR clearance that allows a pilot to:

  • Operate in VFR conditions

  • Choose any VFR altitude

  • While remaining on an IFR flight plan


The aircraft stays IFR for:

  • Traffic advisories

  • Routing

  • Clearances

  • Lost communications procedures


But the pilot assumes responsibility for:

  • VFR cloud clearance

  • VFR visibility

  • Selecting a VFR altitude appropriate for direction of flight

  • See and avoid separation


What VFR on Top Is Not

VFR on top does not mean:

  • Cancelling IFR

  • Flying without an ATC clearance

  • Operating without ATC separation

  • Ignoring minimum IFR altitudes

  • Descending below cloud clearance requirements


You are still IFR—just operating in VMC with added flexibility.


How VFR on Top Is Issued

A typical clearance might sound like:

  • “N123AB, maintain VFR on top, between 6,000 and 10,000.”


ATC may:

  • Assign altitude limits

  • Restrict airspace

  • Specify routing

  • Terminate the clearance at a certain fix


You may also request VFR on top:

  • “Center, N123AB would like VFR on top.”


Approval depends on:

  • Traffic

  • Airspace complexity

  • Weather

  • Radar coverage


Altitude Rules Under VFR on Top

This is one of the most commonly tested areas.


When operating VFR on top, you must:

  • Fly VFR hemispheric altitudes

  • Based on magnetic course

  • Just like normal VFR flight


Examples:

  • Eastbound (000°–179°): odd thousands + 500 (e.g., 7,500)

  • Westbound (180°–359°): even thousands + 500 (e.g., 8,500)


You may not use IFR cruising altitudes while VFR on top.


Minimum Altitudes Still Apply

VFR on top does not remove minimum altitude requirements.


You must still comply with:

  • MEA

  • MOCA (when applicable)

  • MCA

  • OROCA (off-route)


You may not descend below:

  • IFR minimum altitudes

  • VFR cloud clearance and visibility requirements


If weather or terrain prevents compliance, you must advise ATC.


ATC Separation Responsibilities

Under VFR on top:

  • ATC provides IFR separation from other IFR aircraft

  • You are responsible for VFR cloud clearance

  • Traffic advisories may be limited depending on airspace and radar coverage


In effect:

  • ATC separates you from IFR traffic

  • You visually avoid clouds

  • You do not assume full see-and-avoid responsibility like VFR-only flight


Why Pilots Use VFR on Top

VFR on top is commonly used to:

  • Fly above cloud layers smoothly

  • Avoid icing

  • Improve ride quality

  • Take advantage of better winds

  • Reduce workload compared to altitude changes under IFR


It’s especially useful in:

  • Stratiform cloud layers

  • Light to moderate traffic environments

  • Long cross-country IFR flights


VFR on Top vs IFR Cruise Clearance

These two clearances are often confused—but they are very different.


VFR on Top

  • VFR altitudes required

  • Pilot chooses altitude

  • Still IFR

  • Must remain in VMC


Cruise Clearance

  • IFR altitudes

  • Pilot may descend at discretion

  • No re-climb without clearance

  • Approach authorization included


Understanding the distinction is critical for checkrides and real-world flying.


Common Pilot Mistakes

  • Using IFR altitudes while VFR on top

  • Assuming IFR cloud clearance applies

  • Descending below MEA

  • Thinking VFR on top cancels IFR

  • Forgetting hemispheric altitude rules


These errors frequently appear in FAA enforcement cases and checkride failures.


Example Scenario

Clearance:

  • “N456CD, maintain VFR on top.”


You must:

  • Remain in VMC

  • Choose a VFR altitude based on direction

  • Stay above MEA

  • Advise ATC before descending into IMC

  • Request a new clearance to descend below clouds


If conditions deteriorate, you must coordinate with ATC immediately.


Checkride Expectations

Designated Pilot Examiners typically want to hear that:

  • VFR on top is still IFR

  • VFR altitudes apply

  • Cloud clearance is pilot responsibility

  • IFR minimum altitudes still apply


Clear articulation of these points demonstrates strong IFR knowledge.


Final Thoughts

VFR on top is one of the most flexible—and misunderstood—tools available to IFR pilots. Used correctly, it improves comfort, efficiency, and safety. Used incorrectly, it can quickly lead to altitude violations or weather deviations.


The key is remembering this simple rule:

  • VFR on top is IFR control with VFR rules for altitude and cloud clearance.


Master that concept, and VFR on top becomes a powerful asset instead of a liability.



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