What does a VFR on top clearance allow you to do?

• A. Fly at VFR altitudes in VFR conditions while still remaining on an IFR flight plan
• B. Fly only during daylight hours
• C. Cancel IFR and fly VFR
• D. Enter the cloud in VFR conditions

Answer: (A)

VFR-on-top is an IFR clearance that lets you stay on an IFR flight plan while you fly at VFR altitudes in VFR weather. You’re still under ATC separation and must comply with your IFR clearance, but you’re free to choose the VFR altitudes you’ll fly at, as long as you remain clear of clouds and meet the required visibility for the airspace. This option isn’t dependent on daylight, it doesn’t cancel IFR, and you don’t fly into clouds simply because you’re “on top”—you stay in VMC and avoid cloud penetration.