"Matt Whiting" wrote in message
...

I've never used an IFR to VFR on top clearance. What are the subleties of
this?


VFR-on-top is an IFR procedure. When you're VFR-on-top you must adhere to
VFR cruising altitudes and you are responsible for separation, ATC will
continue to provide traffic advisories. You are still bound to your cleared
route.



What is the clearance limit?


Whatever fix you are cleared to. If "cleared to" was followed by
"VFR-on-top", you got a bad clearance.



What are the lost comm procedures if the clearance limit isn't an
airport?


While VFR-on-top? Continue the flight under VFR and land as soon as
practicable.



What if you don't break out when you expect to find VFR?


That's where the alternative instruction comes into play. Example; "climb
to and report reaching VFR-on-top, no tops reports, if not on top at 4000
maintain 4000 and advise". You'd report that you're still in the clouds and
continue to the clearance limit at 4000, or request an alternate clearance.