What is VFR on Top? – Definition and Overview
VFR on top represents a unique IFR clearance that grants pilots considerable flexibility—allowing them to select their own VFR altitudes while maintaining visual conditions, combining VFR freedom with IFR structure.
Rather than accepting ATC-assigned altitudes, pilots can choose appropriate VFR cruising levels while adhering to their designated IFR route.
This clearance shouldn’t be confused with VFR over-the-top—a fundamentally different operation where pilots navigate above cloud layers under pure VFR rules, without any IFR flight plan whatsoever.
Requirements for VFR on Top – Visibility and Altitude
Operating under VFR on top demands strict adherence to VFR visibility minimums. These requirements specify 3 statute miles during daylight hours and 5 statute miles after dark.
Pilots must also maintain standard VFR cloud clearance:
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500 feet below clouds
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1,000 feet above clouds
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2,000 feet horizontally from clouds
Altitude selection must follow VFR cruising rules for flights above 3,000 feet AGL and below FL180:
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Magnetic Course 0-179°: Odd thousands + 500 feet (e.g., 7,500 ft, 9,500 ft)
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Magnetic Course 180-359°: Even thousands + 500 feet (e.g., 8,500 ft, 10,500 ft)
International operations have different requirements, with varying mandates for visibility thresholds, cloud separation distances, and required equipment configurations.
Airspace classification also affects requirements. Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace each impose distinct requirements, with controlled airspace typically demanding more stringent visibility and cloud clearance standards.
Procedures for Pilots – Operating Under VFR on Top
VFR on top operations require following established procedures. The process typically begins when pilots encounter weather layers and request permission to climb through them, intending to operate under visual conditions once clear of the clouds.
ATC approval hinges on several factors: controllers must relay known cloud top information and guarantee adequate separation from other IFR traffic. Upon clearance, pilots retain their original IFR routing while gaining altitude flexibility.
This clearance provides several benefits. Pilots can ascend through challenging weather layers, then operate in clear visual conditions—avoiding hazards like icing or turbulence while preserving the safety net of their IFR flight plan.
Should conditions deteriorate below VFR minimums, pilots must promptly notify ATC and request an appropriate IFR altitude assignment.
Traffic Management – ATC’s Role in VFR on Top
Air Traffic Control plays a specific role in VFR-on-top operations—distinctly different from conventional IFR traffic management. Controllers maintain certain oversight responsibilities while transferring others directly to the pilot, creating a unique operational dynamic that demands clear understanding from both parties.
The key difference is that: collision avoidance responsibility transfers from ATC to the Pilot in Command, who must now see and avoid other aircraft.
While ATC maintains monitoring duties and offers traffic advisories when workload permits, these services supplement but do not replace the pilot’s see-and-avoid responsibilities.
Controllers retain critical responsibilities: managing cleared routes, providing navigational guidance, and coordinating seamless handoffs between control sectors.
VFR Over-the-Top vs. VFR on Top – Key Differences
| Feature | VFR on Top | VFR Over-the-Top (OTT) |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Flight Plan | Operates on an IFR flight plan. | Operates entirely under VFR. |
| ATC Clearance | Requires a specific “VFR on top” clearance. | No specific clearance needed; standard VFR flight. |
| ATC Services | Full IFR services, including route guidance and traffic advisories. | Standard VFR services (e.g., flight following, if requested). |
| Pilot Responsibility | See-and-avoid for traffic separation; must follow IFR route. | See-and-avoid; responsible for own navigation and routing. |
| Weather Planning | Can depart/arrive in IMC and descend via an IFR approach. | Requires VFR conditions at departure, destination, and en route. |
VFR on top operations require pilots to take on significant responsibilities: