Can a VFR pilot fly VFR-on-top?


Can a VFR pilot fly VFR-on-top? 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).


What is the 1 in 60 rule in VFR?

It states that for each degree off (or displacement) over a distance of 60 nautical miles (NM), it will result in 1 NM off course.


When shall VFR flights not be operated above?

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.


What are the VFR limitations for student pilots?

While the basic VFR weather minimums outlined in § 91.155 specify a minimum flight visibility of 1 statute mile and clear of clouds when 1,200 feet or less above the surface (AGL) in the daytime, the general student pilot limitations of § 61.89 do not permit student pilots to operate with less than 3 miles of flight or ...


Do VFR pilots have to see 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. (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.


Can you fly VFR at 3000 feet?

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.


What are the three VFR charts that pilots use?

Symbols shown are for World Aeronautical Charts (WAC), Sectional aeronautical charts and Terminal Area Charts (TAC). When a symbol is different on any VFR chart series, it will be annotated thus: WAC or Not shown on WAC.


Can a student pilot fly solo at night?

A student pilot may not operate an aircraft in solo flight at night unless that student pilot has received: (1) Flight training at night on night flying procedures that includes takeoffs, approaches, landings, and go-arounds at night at the airport where the solo flight will be conducted; (2) Navigation training at ...


Can a student pilot fly VFR over the top?

The only regulatory restriction is that student pilots are not allowed to fly above a cloud layer without ground reference. VFR over-the-top can be a very useful tool to get above a cloud layer instead of flying in haze or restricted visibility below the clouds.


Is VFR allowed in Class A?

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.


Is it legal to fly VFR at night?

No person may operate an airplane over-the-top or at night under VFR unless that airplane is equipped with the instruments and equipment required for IFR operations under § 91.205(d) and one electric landing light for night operations. Each required instrument and item of equipment must be in operable condition.


What are the limitations of VFR-on-top?

A VFR-On-Top clearance has its limitations. Here are a few you need to follow: Pilots may not fly below minimum en route IFR altitudes because you could crash into the terrain. Minimum en route altitudes exist regardless of IFR or VFR weather conditions and weather assigned a specific altitude or VFR conditions on top.