RV-12
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 22; Flight Crew Total 630; Flight Crew Type 630
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter VFR In IMC; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Diverted
Human Factors; Weather
I was 'VFR on top' enroute to Galion; OH (GQQ). I had accessed an aircraft weather report at XA00 that morning; and predictions were for a low ceiling of 3000 until XC00 increasing to 5000 at XC00; both at my departure location and my destination airport. My original plan was to fly under the ceiling.I departed at approximately XB30 and eastbound in reasonable VFR conditions until about 50 miles into my flight. Clouds down low became too dense for VFR; so I backtracked and flew up through a hole and flew on top at around 7000 (varied) with the idea of descending through a hole at my destination; when the ceilings were supposed to have improved. However; I could not find a VFR route down; and was not sure would weather would be like if I returned to base; so I tuned 121.5 and asked for help as a 'VFR pilot trapped on top'. I was roughly 20 miles south-southeast of my destination airport; and had a bit more than 2 hours of fuel on board. I was flying solo.I was promptly connected with someone from ATC and he first headed me toward Defiance; but then found a closer airport. He ascertained my flying experience flying 'under the hood' (I told him I had 4 hours or so; and was comfortable doing flying by the gyro) and he tested the waters with me by having me fly for a few minutes right under the cloud tops. Then he vectored me with slow half-rate turns and a 500 foot per minute descent. I broke out of the clouds at about 1900 feet a mile east of the airport and made an uneventful landing. I had about an hour and 15 minutes of fuel on board when I landed. I stayed overnight until the weather cleared the next day allowing a return to base.The ATC was very helpful; and had a calm demeanor which helped me stay focused. His services were highly appreciated. My BFR and medical are current. My RV-12 is also in full compliance with condition inspections; and the instruments have been calibrated recently. Navigation was by panel-mount Garmin GPS and by use of the Foreflight program and an iPad.
RV12 pilot reported being stuck on top of a cloud layer upon arrival at his destination and called on 121.5 for ATC assistance. ATC provided a vector to an airport with better weather and an IMC descent to VFR conditions. The Controller received high praise.