Newps wrote:


Sam Spade wrote:

And my usual clearance would be basically out of the 7110.65. Something
like:

CLIMB TO AND REPORT REACHING VFR-ON-TOP,
NO TOPS REPORTS.
IF NOT ON TOP AT 7000', MAINTAIN 7000', AND ADVISE.
Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)


Picking at nits, that is a clearance to on top, as opposed to
modifying an en route IFR clearance from an assigned altitude to en
route on top. In the former you are excepted to cancel reaching on top.


Not true. If you have to climb thru the clouds and desire to cruise
with an OTP clearance this is exactly what you'd get. The 7000 is
probably the top of the controllers airspace or a necessary altitude to
separate you from traffic. A place like southern California sometimes
develops a routine where they get a clearance like you suggest so they
can climb thru the marine layer.

In Southern California and all other stratus-laden areas of California,
which are in TRACON airspace, the assignment is alway at, or above MVA,
and predicated on recent pilot reports.

It is not possible (at least in these parts) to continue such a
clearance as an IFR, VFR-on top without an IFR flight plan. If there
was an IFR flight plan there would usually not be a clearance to on-top.

Are you saying if, for example I am departing BIL, and without a flight
plan I request a climb to on top, and then when on top I request on-top
to Salt Lake City, you would grant it?