VFR on Top Tricks

Sometimes while IFR in the low teen altitudes you may overtake aircraft. Many times the controller will assign a higher or lower altitude for the overtaking aircraft. If your aircraft is not turbo-charged sometimes higher is not an option. Lower is not good because of increased fuel consumption. One trick is to request VFR on top if you can reasonable maintain VMC while on top. The controller can assign you a VFR altitude 500 feet higher than your current altitude and you can safely overtake the slower aircraft ahead of you.