"Bob Gardner" wrote in message
...

Example: I know (or strongly suspect) that the tops at at 6000. I call
Ground and tell them that I want an IFR clearance to VFR-on-top. No flight
plan filed. Ground says "Whizbang 1234X is cleared to (nearby VOR), climb
and maintain 7000, if not on top at 7000 advise. Squawk 3456." Great time
saver.


Great time saver compared to what? What are you going to do when you reach
VFR conditions?



Example: I am in Spokane, or somewhere else where it is severe clear and I
want to go to Seattle or somewhere that I know is VFR. I file an IFR
flight plan with VOT in the altitude block.


Put OTP in the altitude block. VOT is "VOR test signal" or "vorticity".