I was just wondering, but if a pilot is flying at FL 160 on Victor airways and decides to go to FL 200, can he still use his victor route? Since above 180 is for Jet routes, do they have to instantly change to a Jet route or can they continue on a Victor route?? Thanks. Tom

The simple answer is that it would not be his choice. If he is flying VFR at 16,000 feet (which in the U.S. is not a flight level) and wants to climb to 20,000 (which is a flight level) he would have to get an IFR clerance from ATC to enter the Class A airspace above 18,000 feet. ATC would assign his route, which very well may be a jet route, but that route would not necessarily lie directly above the Victor airway.

If you wanted to go higher but stay on the same route, you could just request direct to your next way point with your IFR clearance. ATC will usually accomodate you if they can.

Thanks for the help guys. With regard to the FL 160, I just meant that if one is flying below 180 on a victor airway and is cleared to an altitude above 180 (isn't that the level that the JEt routes take affect?)is he given a new route or can he maintain his current flight plan route. Thanks again. Tom

Well..Routes sometimes mix Victor and Jet airways to my expirence, you can be on a victor, then switch to a jet later on in the route.Cheers