When operating in VFR conditions with an ATC authorization to maintain VFR-on-top, aircraft must ___.

• A. Fly an appropriate VFR altitude for the direction of flight
• B. Be equipped with transponder and DME equipment
• C. Maintain radio contact with ATC at all times
• D. Be in a radar coverage area at all times

Answer: (A)

When flying VFR on top, you still operate under visual flight rules and must stay in VMC with the required visibility and cloud clearance. The key operational requirement is to select an appropriate VFR altitude for your direction of flight. This means choosing an altitude that follows the standard VFR cruising altitude rules (odd thousands plus 500 feet for eastbound, even thousands plus 500 feet for westbound, starting at a suitable base) so you remain on top of the cloud layer and maintain safe separation from terrain and other airspace.

The other conditions aren’t inherent to VFR-on-top operations. Transponder and DME equipment aren’t mandated merely by flying VFR on top, radar coverage isn’t guaranteed everywhere you might be operating, and while you’ll typically be in contact with ATC when in controlled airspace, you’re not required to maintain radio contact at all times in every scenario.