Definition
A pilot phraseology used by an IFR aircraft to request a change in altitude in VFR (visual) conditions, where the pilot accepts responsibility for maintaining their own separation from clouds and other aircraft during the climb or descent. The pilot remains on an IFR flight plan but uses VFR cloud clearance and visibility rules for that altitude change.
Plain English
It is a way for an IFR pilot to ask the controller for a climb or descent while the pilot agrees to watch for traffic and stay clear of clouds themselves. The flight stays on its IFR plan, but the pilot — not the controller — is in charge of separation during the altitude change.
Context Anchor
You will encounter this in IFR radio communication and ATC procedures when a pilot wants a different altitude for weather, performance, traffic, or comfort.
Why Pilots Care
Proper handling ensures safe separation from other traffic and compliance with ATC instructions.
Intuition Check
Do not read “requests” as “is cleared to do it.” A request is only a question; the climb or descent begins only after ATC approves or instructs it.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot told approach, "Cessna 23 Alpha requests VFR climb to 8,500," using the IFR-aircraft-requests-a-climb procedure to get above the haze layer quickly.
Example Sentence 2
During descent into the terminal area, the IFR aircraft requested a lower altitude to begin the approach.