Flight Level and a half

AIM 6-4-1

1. General. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each pilot who has two-way
radio communications failure when operating under IFR shall comply with the
rules of this section.

2. VFR conditions. If the failure occurs in VFR conditions, or if VFR
conditions are encountered after the failure, each pilot shall continue the
flight under VFR and land as soon as practicable.

NOTE-
This procedure also applies when two-way radio failure occurs while
operating in Class A airspace.




"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
nk.net...

"Matt Barrow" wrote in message
...

So where in the FAR' is there authorization for VFR ops above FL180?


There isn't any. The FARs tend to prohibit things, not authorize them.
So where in the FARs is there prohibition of VFR ops above FL180?



So you're saying one could operate VFR at FL330?


Sure, as long as you're not in Class A airspace.

"Michael R" wrote in message
...

AIM 6-4-1

1. General. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each pilot who has two-way
radio communications failure when operating under IFR shall comply with
the rules of this section.

2. VFR conditions. If the failure occurs in VFR conditions, or if VFR
conditions are encountered after the failure, each pilot shall continue
the flight under VFR and land as soon as practicable.

NOTE-
This procedure also applies when two-way radio failure occurs while
operating in Class A airspace.


Your point?

That it is legal to fly VFR at FL335 in class A airspace. All you need is a
comm failure first.



"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
nk.net...

"Michael R" wrote in message
...

AIM 6-4-1

1. General. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each pilot who has
two-way radio communications failure when operating under IFR shall
comply with the rules of this section.

2. VFR conditions. If the failure occurs in VFR conditions, or if VFR
conditions are encountered after the failure, each pilot shall continue
the flight under VFR and land as soon as practicable.

NOTE-
This procedure also applies when two-way radio failure occurs while
operating in Class A airspace.


Your point?

"Michael R" wrote in message
...

That it is legal to fly VFR at FL335 in class A airspace. All you need is
a comm failure first.


The reference in AIM 6-4-1.c. that you quoted is to FAR 91.185, an
Instrument Flight Rule.

"Michael R" wrote in message
...

That it is legal to fly VFR at FL335 in class A airspace. All you need is
a comm failure first.


The reference in AIM 6-4-1.c. that you quoted is to FAR 91.185, an
Instrument Flight Rule. The regulation says; "If the failure occurs in VFR
conditions, or if VFR conditions are encountered after the failure, each
pilot shall continue the flight under VFR and land as soon as practicable."
You can't just continue on VFR at FL 335. If you encounter a field where
it's practicable for you to land you must descend and land.

The AIM continues:

However, it is not intended that the requirement to "land as soon as
practicable" be construed to mean "as soon as possible." Pilots retain the
prerogative of exercising their best judgment and are not required to land
at an unauthorized airport, at an airport unsuitable for the type of
aircraft flown, or to land only minutes short of their intended destination.

Sounds like I can continue on for 59 minutes and meet the letter of the AIM.


"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
ink.net...

"Michael R" wrote in message
...

That it is legal to fly VFR at FL335 in class A airspace. All you need is
a comm failure first.


The reference in AIM 6-4-1.c. that you quoted is to FAR 91.185, an
Instrument Flight Rule. The regulation says; "If the failure occurs in
VFR conditions, or if VFR conditions are encountered after the failure,
each pilot shall continue the flight under VFR and land as soon as
practicable." You can't just continue on VFR at FL 335. If you encounter
a field where it's practicable for you to land you must descend and land.

"Michael R" wrote in message
...

The AIM continues:

However, it is not intended that the requirement to "land as soon as
practicable" be construed to mean "as soon as possible." Pilots retain the
prerogative of exercising their best judgment and are not required to land
at an unauthorized airport, at an airport unsuitable for the type of
aircraft flown, or to land only minutes short of their intended
destination.

Sounds like I can continue on for 59 minutes and meet the letter of the
AIM.


How did you arrive at that conclusion? The AIM and the FARs are consistent,
if you encounter a field where it's practicable for you to land you must
descend and land. There is no time mentioned, if if you encounter VFR
conditions and a field where it's practicable for you to land you must
descend and land at that field.