"Mark Hansen" wrote in message
...

The AIM says pilots SHOULD advise ATC prior to any altitude change when
operating OTP.

Sorry if I'm missing something, but aren't we talking about two different
flight modes here?

Over the Top is a VFR flight mode. You are not under IFR restrictions.

VFR On Top is an IFR clearance. You are under IFR restrictions and must
report changes in altitude (among other IFRs).


OTP is the contraction for "On Top". It is what ATC enters in an IFR flight
plan for aircraft that are operating VFR-on-top.