VFR on top

[h&jeuropa]

I checked weather today and my destination was forecast to be VFR. I departed VFR and climbed above a scattered to broken cloud deck. Enroute the ATIS at the destination was overcast but it was 1 1/2 hour old and a nearby airport was reporting scattered clouds. On arrival the overcast was correct. I contacted approach and descended thru the clouds but I didn't file IFR or request a IFR clearance and the controller told me to remain in VFR conditions which I couldn't do.

My question is how should one handle this situation?

[SmilingJack]

File one of these now.

http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov

[N941WR]

Don't say a thing and...

Originally Posted by SmilingJack

File one of these now.

http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov

[ColoRv]

Pop up IFR or go somewhere else. Follow the advice above.

[Bavafa]

Originally Posted by h&jeuropa

I checked weather today and my destination was forecast to be VFR. I departed VFR and climbed above a scattered to broken cloud deck. Enroute the ATIS at the destination was overcast but it was 1 1/2 hour old and a nearby airport was reporting scattered clouds. On arrival the overcast was correct. I contacted approach and descended thru the clouds but I didn't file IFR or request a IFR clearance and the controller told me to remain in VFR conditions which I couldn't do.

My question is how should one handle this situation?

Sorry to be blunt, but you obviously broke the rule and we get to break the rule only that many times until it catches up with us.

There are lots of options, (i.e filing/requesting IFR, special VFR, alternate airport, etc)

[BobTurner]

Good grief. The only thing you did right was to contact approach, so the controller presumably would keep you from killing an innocent pilot who was ifr and legitimately in the clouds.
1. Talk to flight watch (122.0) enroute to keep abreast of the wx.
2. Go to an alternate, or go home.
3. Get an instrument rating.

The risks of VFR OVER the top ("vfr on top" is a form of ifr clearance) for a vfr pilot should now be all too clear. If the clouds below you start to close up, you continue on at your risk.

Edit: okay, I looked you up on the faa database and it says you are instrument rated. Why didn't you just ask for an ifr approach clearance?

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

If the clouds below you start to close up, you continue on at your risk.

And, as you point out, at the risk of others.

OP: File the NASA form and fill it out honestly and transparently.

[eddieseve]

Dumb question from a VFR pilot.

If your alternate nearby air port was broken scattered, why not just head there, descend when safe to do so and then fly under the overcast to your destination?

Or did I misunderstand the weather?

Regards

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by h&jeuropa

My question is how should one handle this situation?

First off, I would suggest you do not admit to doing such things on the internet

[rvmills]

Originally Posted by h&jeuropa

I checked weather today and my destination was forecast to be VFR. I departed VFR and climbed above a scattered to broken cloud deck. Enroute the ATIS at the destination was overcast but it was 1 1/2 hour old and a nearby airport was reporting scattered clouds. On arrival the overcast was correct. I contacted approach and descended thru the clouds but I didn't file IFR or request a IFR clearance and the controller told me to remain in VFR conditions which I couldn't do.

My question is how should one handle this situation?

Straight talk…you asked for it, by virtue of your straight talk in the OP.

As has been said...NASA form now…but you've already put it in writing in a public forum, so ya takes your chances. However, that is after the fact damage control…so how do you do better?

1. Better planning. How long before you departed did you check the weather? Was the forecast for good VFR all day, deteriorating weather, or with some TEMPO conditions of less than VFR? Might the forecast have changed between leaving home and getting to the airport and blasting off?

2. Better enroute decision making. How long was the flight? You said the ATIS was an hour and a half old…but they typically update it on the hour. Or were you looking at severely dated XM Wx? If that was the case, then call Flight Watch or FSS if Wx ahead is looking more and more iffy. If it was VFR when you departed, and the ATIS was that old, how long were you flying over an increasingly cloudy sky? Don't fall into the trap of thinking, "well they said it would be VFR, I'm sure the clouds will break up soon". Murphy likes clouds!

3. Honesty with yourself and ATC (I know, I know, that sometimes feels like being honest with the IRS, but sometimes ATC really can help! ).

ATC: "Maintain VFR"
You: "Unable"
ATC: "State your intentions and your request"
You: "IFR to XXX"
ATC: Advise when ready to copy clearance"

You get the gist.

4. Learn from this…to avoid the big ol' knot in your gut and lump in your throat that were probably there as you descended through the clouds. It usually gets darker just before you break out of the bottom, doesn't it…those knots and lumps get bigger then, eh.

5. And honestly, if you have an instrument ticket, and are asking the above question, go get some refresher or follow-on training. It'll make you a better pilot, or more confident in using the rating to avoid these situations.

Gutsy post…take the punches on the chin to help you get better…most of us have taken similar punches along the way for our stupid pilot tricks.

Cheers,
Bob