VFR-ON-TOP OPERATIONS Flashcards
(Glossary)
VFR-on-top
ATC authorization for an IFR aircraft to operate in VFR conditions at any appropriate VFR altitude. A pilot receiving this authorization must comply with the VFR visibility, distance from cloud criteria, and the minimum IFR altitudes specified in 14 CFR Part 91. The use of this term does not relieve controllers of their responsibility to separate aircraft in Class B and Class C airspace or TRSAs.
(4-1-4)
VFR-on-top
Use a route not meeting service volume limitations only if an aircraft requests to operate:
“VFR-on-top” on this route
(7-1-1)
Class A Airspace Restrictions
Do not apply visual separation or issue VFR or:
VFR-on-top clearances in Class A airspace
(7-3-1)
VFR-on-top
You may clear an aircraft to maintain “VFR-on-top” if:
The pilot of an aircraft on an IFR flight plan requests the clearance.
(9-3-3)
VFR-on-top
If an aircraft’s route, track, or altitude may cause it to enter an active Prohibited/Restricted Warning Area, MOA, or ATCAA:
> Inform the pilot to conduct flight “VFR-on-top” at least 500 feet above the upper limit or below the lower limit of the airspace or
> Clear the aircraft via a routing which provides approved separation from the airspace
> (Excpetion): some areas are est for security reasons or to contain hazardous activities not involving aircraft operations. The addition of 500 (or 1,000) feet to the upper/lower limit of these areas are not required if the areas have been identified by facility management.
(4-1-4)
VFR-on-top
Aircraft equipped with TACAN only are expected to:
> define route of flight between TACAN or VORTAC NAVAIDs in the same manner as VOR-equipped aircraft
> except in Class A airspace, submit requests for “VFR-on-top” flight where insufficient TACAN or VORTAC NAVAIDs exist to define the route.
(7-3-1)
VFR-on-top
What is the pilot responsible for when cleared to maintain “VFR-on-top”?
> fly at an appropriate VFR altitude
comply with VFR visibility and distance from cloud criteria and avoid other aircraft
comply with IFR flight rules applicable to the flight (ATC clearances)
(7-3-1)
VFR-on-top
You may clear an aircraft to climb through clouds, smoke, haze or other meteorological formations and then to maintain “VFR-on-top” if what conditions are met?
> pilot requests the clearance
you inform the pilot of the reported height of the tops of the meteorological formation or
you inform the pilot that no top report is available
when necessary, you ensure separation from all other traffic for which you have separation responsibility by issuing an alternative clearance
when an aircraft is climbing to and reports reaching “VFR-on-top” revelations the aircraft to maintain “VFR-on-top”
(7-3-1)
VFR-on-top
What is the phraseology for “VFR-on-top”?
“CLIMB TO AND REPORT REACHING VFR-ON-TOP, TOPS REPORTED (altitude)/NO TOPS REPORTED, IF NOT ON TOP AT (altitude), MAINTAIN (altitude), AND ADVISE
(7-3-1)
VFR-on-top
Do not clear an aircraft to maintain “VFR-on-top” between what times?
Sunset and sunrise unless restrictions are applied to ensure the appropriate IFR vertical separation to separate holding aircraft from each other or from en route aircraft.
(7-3-1)
VFR-on-top
What is the phraseology for VFR-on-top with restrictions?
MAINTAIN VFR-ON-TOP AT OR ABOVE/BELOW/BETWEEN (altitudes)
Ex: maintain vfr-on-top at or above one three thousand five hundred
(7-3-1)
VFR-on-top
When in your judgment, there is reason to believe that flight in VFR conditions may become impractical, issue:
An alternative clearance which will ensure separation from all other aircraft for which you have separation responsibility
IF UNABLE, (alternative procedure), AND ADIVSE.
