VFR REGULATIONS 06 / LEARN · EXPLORE · CHECK
VFR cruising altitudes
Course selects the side; height above terrain triggers the rule.
Your learning goals
- Apply first ask whether the rule applies.
- Recognize the limits and exceptions that affect this flight.
- Explain a decision using the scenario and supporting rule.
First ask whether the rule applies
In VFR level cruising flight more than 3,000 feet above the surface, use the appropriate altitude unless ATC authorizes otherwise. Turning and holding patterns of two minutes or less are exceptions. Exactly 3,000 AGL does not trigger this rule. Terrain height matters.
Magnetic course, not heading
Below 18,000 MSL: 000°–179° magnetic course → odd thousands + 500 (3,500; 5,500; 7,500 MSL). 180°–359° → even thousands + 500 (4,500; 6,500; 8,500 MSL). Course is your intended path over the ground; a wind-correction heading does not choose the side.
A legal number is only one filter
Check terrain, clouds, airspace, oxygen, performance, and restrictions too. These examples are for ordinary VFR below 18,000 MSL; do not extend the odd/even mnemonic into Class A.
EXPLORE / APPLY THE RULE
Pick a cruising altitude
Level cruise, below 18,000 MSL; no ATC deviation, turning, or holding exception. This checks only §91.159, not terrain/cloud/airspace safety.
FLIGHT SCENARIO
What would change your plan?
Your magnetic course is 185°, terrain is 1,000 MSL, and candidates are 4,500, 5,500, and 6,500 MSL. Which satisfy the cruising-altitude rule?
- NoticeWhat does this situation require?
- VerifyWhat evidence is still missing?
- DecideWhat keeps an option open?
Compare your reasoning
4,500 and 6,500 MSL: both are more than 3,000 AGL and are even thousands plus 500. At 5,500, the westbound-course pattern is wrong. Other weather and airspace checks still apply.
SUMMARY
Course selects the side; height above terrain triggers the rule.
4,500 and 6,500 MSL: both are more than 3,000 AGL and are even thousands plus 500. At 5,500, the westbound-course pattern is wrong. Other weather and airspace checks still apply.
Before moving on, explain the decision in your own words: what would you verify, and what would make you change the plan?
PRACTICE
Flashcards and knowledge check
Six flashcards, then five questions with explanations.
Enable JavaScript for flashcards and the knowledge check. The lesson and scenario remain available without it.
Sources & lesson notes
Sources & lesson notes
- 14 CFR §91.159Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.
For U.S. private-pilot airplane study. Rules verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026, with linked FAA guidance. Scenarios isolate a rule; actual flight decisions require all applicable rules, aircraft limitations, and current information.