Can you fly VFR on top of clouds?
Can you fly VFR on top of clouds? Since the regs list a minimum distance above clouds obviously VFR flights are allowed to fly over clouds. However, it's not clear what kind of clouds one can fly over: only individual smaller clouds, a broken layer or a solid layer.
How high can you fly VFR?
VFR cruising altitude rules in the US and Canada In the US, there are specific VFR cruising altitudes, based on the aircraft's course, to assist pilots in separating their aircraft while operating under visual flight above 3,000 ft above the surface (AGL) but below 18,000 ft Mean Sea Level (MSL).
Is VFR-on-top legal?
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.
Can a VFR pilot request 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 are VFR over the top conditions?
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.
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.
Is IFR safer than VFR?
IFR flying provides certain protections which are not readily available to those flying under VFR. Even if you never fly into a cloud, having an IFR-equipped airplane and pilot will make for a safer and confident journey. Flying through and above the clouds provides for safer travels.
Can a VFR pilot fly through an active MOA without ATC clearance?
Using agencies and pilots operating in such MOAs should be aware that nonparticipating aircraft may legally operate IFR or VFR without an ATC clearance in these MOAs. Pilots of nonparticipating aircraft may operate VFR in Class G airspace in conditions as low as 1 statute mile flight visibility and clear of clouds.
Can you fly VFR without seeing the ground?
Well, as most of you under the FARs are aware—not to say used to—in the United States it is perfectly legal to fly VFR without any visual contact with 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.