VFR-on-Top Clearance

AIM ¶ 4-4-8 — VFR-on-Top Clearance

AIM 4-4-8 explains VFR-on-top clearances: pilot requirements, altitude rules, cloud clearance, and IFR responsibilities. Key prep for IFR checkride.

In Plain English

VFR-on-top is an IFR clearance option that lets you fly at a VFR altitude of your choice instead of an ATC-assigned altitude, while remaining on your IFR flight plan. You must be in VFR weather conditions and you (the pilot) must request it — ATC won't assign it on its own (except for certain noise abatement situations).

A common use is requesting a climb to VFR-on-top to get above a cloud or haze layer, after which you can either cancel IFR or continue VFR-on-top. The clearance will include a top report (or note that none is available) and require you to report reaching VFR-on-top.

While operating VFR-on-top, you must:

Fly an appropriate VFR cruising altitude per 14 CFR 91.159
Comply with VFR visibility and cloud clearance minimums per 14 CFR 91.155
Continue to follow all applicable IFR rules — minimum IFR altitudes, position reports, ATC clearances, route, and communications

VFR-on-top does not cancel your IFR flight plan, and it is not authorized in Class A airspace. You may operate above, below, or between layers — not just on top. See-and-avoid is your responsibility.

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AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 4-4-8

A pilot on an IFR flight plan operating in VFR weather conditions, may request VFR-on-top in lieu of an assigned altitude. This permits a pilot to select an altitude or flight level of their choice (subject to any ATC restrictions.) Pilots desiring to climb through a cloud, haze, smoke, or other meteorological formation and then either cancel their IFR flight plan or operate VFR-on-top may request a climb to VFR-on-top. The ATC authorization must contain either a top report or a statement that no top report is available, and a request to report reaching VFR-on-top. Additionally, the ATC authorization may contain a clearance limit, routing and an alternative clearance if VFR-on-top is not reached by a specified altitude. A pilot on an IFR flight plan, operating in VFR conditions, may request to climb/descend in VFR conditions. ATC may not authorize VFR-on-top/VFR conditions operations unless the pilot requests the VFR operation or a clearance to operate in VFR conditions will result in noise abatement benefits where part of the IFR departure route does not conform to an FAA approved noise abatement route or altitude. When operating in VFR conditions with an ATC authorization to “maintain VFR-on-top/maintain VFR conditions” pilots on IFR flight plans must: Fly at the appropriate VFR altitude as prescribed in 14 CFR section 91.159. Comply with the VFR visibility and distance from cloud criteria in 14 CFR section 91.155 (Basic VFR Weather Minimums). Comply with instrument flight rules that are applicable to this flight; i.e., minimum IFR altitudes, position reporting, radio communications, course to be flown, adherence to ATC clearance, etc. ATC authorization to “maintain VFR-on-top” is not intended to restrict pilots so that they must operate only above an obscuring meteorological formation (layer). Instead, it permits operation above, below, between layers, or in areas where there is no meteorological obscuration. It is imperative, however, that pilots understand that clearance to operate “VFR-on-top/VFR conditions” does not imply cancellation of the IFR flight plan. Pilots operating VFR-on-top/VFR conditions may receive traffic information from ATC on other pertinent IFR or VFR aircraft. However, aircraft operating in Class B airspace/TRSAs must be separated as required by FAA Order JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control. ATC will not authorize VFR or VFR-on-top operations in Class A airspace.

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Would you catch these on the written?

Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.

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1/5

You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?

Keys A–D answer · Enter continues

PPL5 sample questions — in the app, the drill engine covers 88 PPL topics and every answer cites its source

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1Who must initiate a VFR-on-top clearance, and in what airspace is it prohibited?

Per AIM 4-4-8, the pilot must request VFR-on-top — ATC will not authorize it unless the pilot asks (or it provides noise abatement benefits). It is never authorized in Class A airspace.

Q2What rules must a pilot follow when operating 'VFR-on-top' on an IFR flight plan?

Per AIM 4-4-8, the pilot must fly an appropriate VFR altitude per 14 CFR 91.159, comply with VFR visibility and cloud clearance criteria per 14 CFR 91.155, and continue to follow all applicable IFR rules — minimum IFR altitudes, position reporting, communications, route, and adherence to ATC clearances.

Q3Does a VFR-on-top clearance cancel your IFR flight plan, and where may you operate relative to cloud layers?

Per AIM 4-4-8, VFR-on-top does not cancel the IFR flight plan. The clearance permits operation above, below, between layers, or in areas with no obscuration — not just on top of a layer.

Related Paragraphs in Chapter 4

¶ 4-4-1

ATC Clearance

¶ 4-4-10

Adherence to ATC Clearance

¶ 4-4-11

IFR Separation Standards

¶ 4-4-12

ATC Speed Adjustments

¶ 4-4-13

Runway Separation

¶ 4-4-14