Aero-Tips!

A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of "there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.

Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner, master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us -- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we might never have considered before, or something that didn't "stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for the practical test.

It is our unabashed goal that "Aero-Tips" will help our readers become better, safer pilots -- as well as introducing our ground-bound readers to the concepts and principles that keep those strange aluminum-and-composite contraptions in the air... and allow them to soar magnificently through it.

Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips. Remember... when it comes to being good pilots, we're all in this together.

Aero-Tips 01.31.06

One of the most commonly misunderstood terms in flying is “VFR-on-top.”  What precisely does this mean?  What does it require of pilots and controllers?  Why is this term so misunderstood?

It’s an IFR clearance

“VFR-on-top” is probably most misunderstood because, unlike the name suggests, it is an IFR procedure permitted by clearance for airplanes on an instrument flight plan. VFR on top must be requested by the pilot--controllers can’t offer it without a pilot request. If granted, it allows the pilot to select an altitude. NOTE: VFR-on-top is not permitted in Class A airspace and some restricted areas.

Here are some other considerations of the VFR-on-top clearance... the pilot:

1. Assumes responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft.
2. Must maintain VFR visibility and cloud clearance as required in FAR 91.159.
3. Must continue to adhere to minimum IFR altitudes, position reporting, and radio communication.
4. Must continue to proceed along the cleared route of flight (A popular misconception is that VFR-on-top permits deviations around weather, sightseeing or “shortcuts” of the cleared route).
5. Should advise ATC prior to any altitude change.

The controller’s job is to:

1. Clear an IFR aircraft to maintain VFR-on-top if requested and workload permits.
2. If clearing a pilot to climb through clouds to VFR-on-top, advise the pilot of reported cloud tops, or that no report is available if such is the case.
3. Give the pilot an alternate IFR altitude to maintain if not clear of clouds by the requested initial VFR-on-top altitude.
4. Confirm before issuing the clearance that the flight will not enter Class A airspace.

Why would you request a VFR-on-top clearance? Most likely, to remain clear of clouds if you suspect icing, or if you simply want to pick your own altitude above the cloud tops.

Aero-tip of the day: A VFR-on-top clearance is an instrument procedure that permits the pilot to select his/her own altitude within certain restrictions. It does not grant authority to deviate around weather or otherwise diverge from the cleared route.

FMI: Aero-Tips