Narrative:

While flying VFR from ZZZ1 to ZZZ; I encountered a solid VFR on top situation. Weather reports indicated that there were broken clouds at 2;500. My intent was to find a hole and fly under the clouds; then get permission to fly into ZZZ. Upon arrival at ZZZ2 at 7;500; I found solid overcast. I headed southwest; and then west to see if I could find a hole; I could not. While over ZZZ3; TRACON offered assistance. The controller asked if I wanted to file an IFR approach. I told him the plane is equipped; but not the pilot. After telling the controller I had about 45 minutes of fuel; he stated 'I will declare an emergency for you.' I had enough fuel to make it to ZZZ2. TRACON talked me through the clouds and set me up for an ILS approach into ZZZ2. Lessons learned: even for a short flight; request flight following. I had 3.5 hours of fuel onboard; it was only a one-hour flight. I flew for a total of three hours looking for a hole. The plane is well equipped for an IFR flight; but I am not. I also have a garmin 496 with weather. I was constantly checking it in flight; and the ceilings prior to departure. I was very surprised to encounter solid VFR on top. The controller did a fantastic job of talking me through the clouds. I was quite comfortable with the situation; but the controller was extremely calm; professional; and worked me into the IFR system. I should have declared an emergency; but the controller did it for me.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: VFR general aviation aircraft communicating with ATC encountered solid overcast conditions resulting in an eventual ATC emergency declaration and assistance through the overcast layer.

Narrative: While flying VFR from ZZZ1 to ZZZ; I encountered a solid VFR on top situation. Weather reports indicated that there were broken clouds at 2;500. My intent was to find a hole and fly under the clouds; then get permission to fly into ZZZ. Upon arrival at ZZZ2 at 7;500; I found solid overcast. I headed southwest; and then west to see if I could find a hole; I could not. While over ZZZ3; TRACON offered assistance. The Controller asked if I wanted to file an IFR approach. I told him the plane is equipped; but not the pilot. After telling the Controller I had about 45 minutes of fuel; he stated 'I will declare an emergency for you.' I had enough fuel to make it to ZZZ2. TRACON talked me through the clouds and set me up for an ILS approach into ZZZ2. Lessons learned: Even for a short flight; request flight following. I had 3.5 hours of fuel onboard; it was only a one-hour flight. I flew for a total of three hours looking for a hole. The plane is well equipped for an IFR flight; but I am not. I also have a Garmin 496 with weather. I was constantly checking it in flight; and the ceilings prior to departure. I was very surprised to encounter solid VFR on top. The controller did a fantastic job of talking me through the clouds. I was quite comfortable with the situation; but the controller was extremely calm; professional; and worked me into the IFR system. I should have declared an emergency; but the controller did it for me.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.