Definition 1 of 2
Definition
An ATC authorization given to a Special VFR aircraft, allowing it to climb through Class B, C, D, or E surface-area airspace that is reporting weather below basic VFR minimums, in order to reach VFR conditions on top of a cloud layer or above an obscuration.
Plain English
Permission from air traffic control for a pilot operating under Special VFR to climb up through poor weather near the airport until they break out into clear flying conditions above.
Context Anchor
Heard in ATC clearances for departures or other operations near an airport when conditions are not yet good enough for normal VFR at the aircraft’s current position, but better visual conditions are expected above.
Derivation
VFR stands for visual flight rules, the rules for flying mainly by looking outside and staying in suitable weather. In this phrase, “climb to VFR” means climbing toward conditions where those visual rules can be used.
Why Pilots Care
Allows the pilot to cancel the IFR clearance and continue under VFR once visual conditions are reached.
Grounding Statement
Picture a hazy airport area where ATC allows the aircraft to climb until the visibility improves enough for normal visual flying.
Intuition Check
Do not read “climb to VFR” as “you are already VFR” or “climb however you want.” It means ATC has authorized a climb for the purpose of reaching VFR conditions, with any ATC limits still applying.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot requested a Special VFR clearance to climb to VFR on top, since the field was reporting a 700-foot overcast but skies were clear above 2,000 feet.
Example Sentence 2
After climbing to VFR the pilot canceled the instrument flight plan with center.