Dave Butler wrote:
Robert M. Gary wrote:
The other strange thing ATC does when you are doing "practice" (i.e.
VFR) approachs is say "maintain VFR". I laugh everytime. You are always
VFR unless ATC gives you a clearance otherwise. VFR is flight rules,
not flight conditions. They probably should say "Maintain VFR
conditions" (i.e. "I'm not letting you go in the clouds").

You could be right. I prefer to think they say that to provide a
redundant reminder that you're not on a clearance, just to avoid a
possible misunderstanding.

"maintain VFR" seems to be used redundantly that way in other contexts,
too. For example:

VFR pilot: "N12345 is leaving 3000 for 2000.
ATC: "Maintain VFR"

I interpret that as ATC's way of saying "you're not on a clearance, so
you don't need my permission to descend, and just in case you thought
you were on a clearance, you're not."

Actually you are on a clearance, an approach clearance, and are given
standard IFR separation except for vertical where only 500 feet need be
provided. The maintain VFR part is a reminder that you are to remain
VMC for whatever airspace you happen to be in.