VOT and FAR 91.159

[Want2FlyAgain]

I was asked by a student if you could check the VOR using a VOT check in flight. I believe that you can, but was wondering if anyone has seen this in an AFD.

Also asked...why part 91.159 covers VFR cruising altitudes in "A" airspace.

Thanks for any input.

 

[DitchDriver]

Also asked...why part 91.159 covers VFR cruising altitudes in "A" airspace.

It covers VFR above 18,000 MSL, not in "A" airspace. My guess it comes into play over Hawaii, Alaska Peninsula and >12 NM offshore.

Can't help you with VOTs as I do not have a AFD handy, but I think they are certified for certain positions on the airport, and not for overflight. The'd have to define service volumes for VOTs just like VOR's.

 

[tathepilot]

I was asked by a student if you could check the VOR using a VOT check in flight. I believe that you can, but was wondering if anyone has seen this in an AFD.

Also asked...why part 91.159 covers VFR cruising altitudes in "A" airspace.

Thanks for any input.

Here are the new regs as per www.faa.gov

§ 91.159 VFR cruising altitude or flight level.

Except while holding in a holding pattern of 2 minutes or less, or while turning, each person operating an aircraft under VFR in level cruising flight more than 3,000 feet above the surface shall maintain the appropriate altitude or flight level prescribed below, unless otherwise authorized by ATC:

(a) When operating below 18,000 feet MSL and --

(1) On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any odd thousand foot MSL altitude +500 feet (such as 3,500, 5,500, or 7,500); or

(2) On a magnetic course of 180 degrees through 359 degrees, any even thousand foot MSL altitude +500 feet (such as 4,500, 6,500, or 8,500).

(b) When operating above 18,000 feet MSL, maintain the altitude or flight level assigned by ATC.

[Doc. No. 18334, 54 FR 34294, Aug. 18, 1989, as amended by Amdt. 91-276, 68 FR 61321, Oct. 27, 2003]

 

[Rick1128]

Technically you can fly VFR above FL180, but you have to have a clearance to do it. So there is no real advantage to do so.

 

[midlifeflyer]

Technically you can fly VFR above FL180, but you have to have a clearance to do it..

You don't need a clearance in those areas where it's not Class A above 18,000'

 

[tathepilot]

You don't need a clearance in those areas where it's not Class A above 18,000'

Where is it not class a above 18,000?

 

[Flymach2]

Hi...

A couple of observations.

There is no Class Alpha Airspace in Hawaii.

VFR on top is prohibited in Class Alpha airspace.

VFR cruising altitudes above FL180 are mentioned for the purpose of lost communications. Provided the aircraft remains in VMC, continuing on an appropriate VFR cruising altitude above FL180 can be done. Also, as mentioned, ATC can assign VFR cruising altitudes in Class Alpha Airspace.


Certain VOT's are authorized for airborn use. Consult the AFD for the appropriate parameters. Also, you may want to take a look at the AIM, section 1-1-4. Good luck.

Regards

 

[tathepilot]

Hi...

A couple of observations.

There is no Class Alpha Airspace in Hawaii.

VFR on top is prohibited in Class Alpha airspace.

VFR cruising altitudes above FL180 are mentioned for the purpose of lost communications. Provided the aircraft remains in VMC, continuing on an appropriate VFR cruising altitude above FL180 can be done. Also, as mentioned, ATC can assign VFR cruising altitudes in Class Alpha Airspace.


Certain VOT's are authorized for airborn use. Consult the AFD for the appropriate parameters. Also, you may want to take a look at the AIM, section 1-1-4. Good luck.

Regards

I checked the AIM and you are correct. ATC will not authorize VFR or VFR on top in Class A.
I stand corrected

 

[Flymach2]

Hi...

A good observation by tathepilot. The FAA website lists § 91.159 which was amended 10/27/2003. Most textual 2004 FAR/AIM publications were printed prior to this date and are still indicating VFR cruising altitudes above FL180 and FL290. Apparently no longer an issue. Good catch. Thanks for pointing that out.

Regards

 

[Want2FlyAgain]

Thanks for everyones input.