In article ,
says...


So an American PPL (no IR) cannot fly "VFR" above an overcast layer?

If the above is true, where is a specification on the degree of
"overcastness" that is permitted?

Here in Europe, some countries permit a plain PPL to fly without
visual contact with the surface. France and Germany allow it I think.


In the US, there is a distinction between VFR "on top", which is an IFR
clearance, and VFR "over the top" which is VFR over a cloud layer, and is
legal for non instrument rated pilots. VFR "on top" requires an IFR flight
plan, and keeps the flight in the IFR system throughout the flight, but allows
pilot discretion in altitude selection, in exchange for "see and avoid"
traffic separation responsability for the pilot. VFR on top is not available
in Class A airspace, which in the US is at or above 18,000ft.

GF