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VFR‐ON‐TOP

Pilot/Controller Glossary with JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

ATC authorization for an IFR aircraft to operate in VFR conditions at any appropriate VFR altitude (as specified in 14 CFR and as restricted by ATC). A pilot receiving this authorization must comply with the VFR visibility, distance from cloud criteria, and the minimum IFR altitudes specified in 14 CFR part 91. The use of this term does not relieve controllers of their responsibility to separate aircraft in Class B and Class C airspace or TRSAs as required by FAA Order JO 7110.65.

In the 7110.65

Used in 8 paragraphs of JO 7110.65BB.

  1. 4-1-4VFR‐on‐Top
  2. 4-8-1Approach Clearance
  3. 5-9-4Arrival Instructions
  4. 7-1-1Class a Airspace Restrictions
  5. 7-3-1VFR‐on‐Top
  6. 7-3-2Altitude for Direction of Flight
  7. 9-3-3VFR‐on‐Top
  8. 12-1-3One Thousand-on-Top