When I do it I have an EFIS plus backup round airspeed, turn
coordinator, altimeter, and vertical speed, autopilot run off the EFIS,
several GPSs, VOR with ILS, IFR approach plates on my tablet and backup
on my phone, ability to fly ILS or GPS approaches on autopilot off the
EFIS, XM weather, radio and handheld backup also with VOR and ILS and
oxygen and I am on flight following on cross countries. I also have
over 30 hours IFR training with many hours actual IFR even though I
don't have the rating yet. And I scan METARS for airports well within
my fuel range to ensure that there are holes to get down and be under
the cloud cover well above ground level before I commit myself to going
over solid cloud cover. Terrain under me and other weather factors also
are considered. If all is not looking good I don't go over the top.
To sum it up, I agree that anyone that does VFR over the top needs to be
well prepared and well within their comfort zone and abilities.
Certainly don't want to give the impression that anyone should just fly
over the top willy nillly and hope for the best at their destination.
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: KR> Flying on Top
My opinion for VFR pilots flying "VFR over the top" should have at a
minimum an attitude reference device and know now to keep the top side
up in IMC. Just in case they have an unplanned descent.
