If a pilot wishes to continue the flight VFR over the clouds, what ATC clearance should be requested?

When a pilot wishes to operate VFR (Visual Flight Rules) over clouds, the appropriate request is "VFR on top." This term specifically refers to a flight operation where a pilot maintains VFR while flying at an altitude above overcast clouds, allowing them to navigate visually while still under instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions beneath.

The phrase "VFR on top" indicates to air traffic control (ATC) that the pilot intends to fly in visual conditions above the clouds, which is important for situational awareness and communication with ATC. The clearance allows the pilot to fly over cloud layers while maintaining VFR weather requirements such as visibility and cloud clearance.

Understanding the need to request "VFR on top" is key for pilots since it provides flexibility in flying conditions, especially when the clouds might obscure navigation aids below. This request is often used by pilots who are trying to avoid instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) while still taking advantage of VFR conditions above the clouds.