Definition
An ATC authorization for an IFR aircraft to operate in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) at any appropriate VFR altitude of the pilot's choosing, rather than at an assigned IFR altitude. The pilot remains on an IFR flight plan and must comply with VFR cloud clearance and visibility requirements, VFR cruising altitudes appropriate for direction of flight, and all applicable IFR rules such as minimum IFR altitudes, position reporting, course requirements, and adherence to ATC clearances.
Plain English
An IFR pilot is allowed to fly at a VFR altitude they pick themselves, as long as they stay clear of clouds and have good visibility. They are still on their IFR flight plan and still talking to ATC, but they can choose their own height like a VFR pilot would.
Context Anchor
Used in instrument flying when a pilot wants to fly visually above or between cloud layers while keeping the instrument flight plan active.
Derivation
The phrase literally means flying under VFR rules while "on top" of a cloud layer. The wording reflects the typical situation where a pilot has climbed through clouds on an IFR clearance and is now in clear air above them.
Why Pilots Care
Gives pilots the ability to fly in better visual conditions without canceling their IFR clearance or losing ATC separation services.
Grounding Statement
Picture climbing through a cloud layer, reaching clear air above it, and then continuing visually while your instrument flight plan remains open.
Intuition Check
VFR-on-top does not mean you canceled your instrument flight plan. It also does not mean you can fly through clouds visually; you must be in visual weather conditions and follow the authorization.
Example Sentence 1
After breaking out above the cloud layer, the pilot requested VFR-on-top and selected 7,500 feet for the eastbound leg.
Example Sentence 2
We requested VFR-On-Top at 8500 feet to avoid flying through the clouds on our IFR route.