Originally Posted by Cobalt
Currently I just ask xxx Radar if there is any traffic to affect and climb on top...
Equivalent procedure in Class E airspace, as practised thousands of times daily in Europe and the US:
Cobalt: "xxx Radar, G-XXXX, position / altitude, request IFR pickup for climb to VMC on top".
ATC: "G-XXXX, xxx Radar, squawk xxxx"
Cobalt: "Squawk xxxx, G-XXXX"
ATC: "G-XXXX, identified, IFR at minute xx, climb FL190, own navigation, report VMC on top".
Cobalt: "Climb FL190, own navigation, wilco, G-XXXX".
Cobalt: "G-XXXX, passing FL80, VMC on top, cancel IFR".
ATC: "G-XXXX, IFR cancelled at minute xx, report changing enroute."
Cobalt: "G-XXXX Squawking 7000, enroute" (or request VFR flight following*).
Note: "Radar control" does not need to be stated. The moment the controller states "IFR at....", the contract is set - you are now IFR traffic in controlled airspace and by implication ATC instructions are mandatory. Similarly, at the moment of "IFR cancelled at..." you are now VFR traffic in Class E and can do as you please.
No paperwork necessary. Simple. Standard.
* -
subject to ATC capacity. But then, that is no different to the position with ATSOCAS!