FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsHard
A helicopter pilot is flying VFR on a magnetic course of 090° at 4,500 feet MSL, well above 3,000 feet AGL. Must the pilot comply with the hemispheric VFR cruising altitude rule found in 14 CFR 91.159?
- AYes, but only when operating above 10,000 feet MSL
- BNo, but only if the flight remains within Class G airspace
- CNo, helicopters are specifically excluded from the cruising altitude requirements of 91.159
- DYes, all aircraft operating above 3,000 feet AGL must comply with 91.159
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. No, helicopters are specifically excluded from the cruising altitude requirements of 91.159
14 CFR 91.159 explicitly excludes helicopters from the hemispheric VFR cruising altitude rule that applies to other aircraft based on magnetic course. This exception reflects helicopters' unique operating flexibility and is not tied to airspace class or altitude.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The altitude threshold is irrelevant since helicopters are excluded from this rule entirely.
- B. The exclusion applies regardless of airspace class, not just Class G.
- D. This general rule applies to fixed-wing and other aircraft, but helicopters are specifically excluded.
VFR Cruising Altitude Exclusion for Helicopters (91.159)
14 CFR 91.159 requires VFR aircraft above 3,000 feet AGL to fly at hemispheric cruising altitudes based on magnetic course, but helicopters are specifically excluded from this requirement.
- Applies to fixed-wing aircraft above 3,000 ft AGL
- Odd course (0-179°) = odd thousands +500 ft
- Even course (180-359°) = even thousands +500 ft
- Helicopters are exempt from this entire rule
Memory trick: Odd east, even west — but helicopters get a pass on the rest.