DFC,
Sorry, I wasn't very clear...
What I meant was that with the current level of radio navigation training required for a JAA PPL, I don't think VFR flight on top is very sensible.
Also (and I realise this has been done to death), no matter how well one interprets charts, etc., there is always the possibility that the weather at the destination will not be as forecast/expected, resulting in the possibility of forced IMC to return to terra firma. Not too clever.
As I understand it, PPLs in, for example, France are allowed to fly VMC on top, and the it's the CAA who impose the limit on their PPLs to remain in sight of the ground. Is that right? If so, I think that the CAA position is actually extremely sensible. It is my (humble) belief that VFR flight on top should not be allowed without better radio nav training and sufficient IMC training to at least descend through cloud.
Rgds,
TPK
