Hello.
The flight school where I received my private did not allow their aircraft to be flown VFR over the top. So, needless to say, I never learned much about operating in these conditions. What I am wondering is: Can it be safe to fly Over the top for a VFR only pilot? I am relatively low time, so is operating above a ceiling a bad idea?
I can imagine several situations where operating above the clouds could be very useful (ie. Clearing terrain that has a low and thin layer of clouds above it; Flying above a coatal overcast, etc.) It seems that if there are areas where a pilot could divert to descend VFR than perhaps this operation could be very safe.
So, what do you all thinK? What experiences can you share about this type of opeation? Are there often insurance restrictions on "over the top" flying? Are most flight schools likely to discourage over the top flight?
Thanks so much.
Mike
The flight school where I received my private did not allow their aircraft to be flown VFR over the top. So, needless to say, I never learned much about operating in these conditions. What I am wondering is: Can it be safe to fly Over the top for a VFR only pilot? I am relatively low time, so is operating above a ceiling a bad idea?
I can imagine several situations where operating above the clouds could be very useful (ie. Clearing terrain that has a low and thin layer of clouds above it; Flying above a coatal overcast, etc.) It seems that if there are areas where a pilot could divert to descend VFR than perhaps this operation could be very safe.
So, what do you all thinK? What experiences can you share about this type of opeation? Are there often insurance restrictions on "over the top" flying? Are most flight schools likely to discourage over the top flight?
Thanks so much.
Mike