MLchartDataset catalogue

VFR on top

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-010013

A visual flight rule condition where an aircraft operates above a cloud layer, maintaining visual reference to the ground or water through breaks in the clouds or by being entirely above the cloud deck. This allows pilots to fly under visual conditions even when the surface is obscured by clouds, provided they meet specific altitude, visibility, and cloud clearance requirements. It is a common practice for general aviation flights to avoid adverse weather below.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-010013
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
See alsoVFR between layers
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-010013",
  "term": "VFR on top",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A visual flight rule condition where an aircraft operates above a cloud layer, maintaining visual reference to the ground or water through breaks in the clouds or by being entirely above the cloud deck. This allows pilots to fly under visual conditions even when the surface is obscured by clouds, provided they meet specific altitude, visibility, and cloud clearance requirements. It is a common practice for general aviation flights to avoid adverse weather below.",
  "see_also": [
    "VFR between layers"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/vfr-on-top/"
}

Record 10,289 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.