In article , says...


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.



If you want IFR just to get on top, you can get a tower en-route clearance,
then cancel, and you're on your way, VFR. That could be a time-saver, because
you can probably do it without a flight plan.

If you want to stay in the system, then I don't see the time-saver, unless
your altitude flexibility happens to allow you to get a more direct routing.

GF