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2 Answers

Cruise clearance & VFR on top operation & Contact approach

Asked by: 3028 views Airspace, Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations, Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Private Pilot, Student Pilot

The book mentions that the cruise clearance, you can climb, level off, descend and cruise at an intermediate altitude at any time and does not require ATC clearance.

So, let us say I was cleared to cruise at 8000ft, then I can descend and climb back to 8000ft or stay at intermediate altitude without reporting to ATC? 

Secondly, when is the situation that we request VFR on top clearance during IFR flight? Books says that it allows more flexibility with regard to altitude assignment but I do not understand this.

Lastly, from the book "~contact approach retains your IFR clearance..."

What is the reason that the contact approach retains the IFR clearance and any reasons behind it ?

 

Steve

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2 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on May 31, 2016

    A cruise clearance gives you a block of altitudes between the specified altitude and the minimum IFR altitude. You may climb/descend at will between these altitudes. If you report leaving an altitude, you may not return to it without ATC clearance. The cruise clearance is also a clearance to shoot any approach and land at your destination.

    VFR on top, you can select a valid VFR altitude at which to fly. Your aircraft performance and capabilities may limit the altitudes avaliable.

    As to the contact approach, 1 mile of visibility and clear of clouts would not be allowed in controlled airspace under VFR.

    Your flight instructor should be able to explain this stuff to you.

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  2. Skyfox on Jun 02, 2016

    Kris has a great answer there. For additional reference regarding VFR-on-top, refer to these other two previous questions:

    http://www.askacfi.com/32624/vfr-over-the-top.htm
    http://www.askacfi.com/5514/vfr-on-top.htm

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