FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Airspace and NavigationHard
A pilot plans to fly VFR on a magnetic course of 250° at an altitude more than 3,000 feet above the surface. Which cruising altitude complies with the hemispheric altitude rule?
- A8,500 feet MSL
- B8,000 feet MSL
- C7,500 feet MSL
- D9,500 feet MSL
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 8,500 feet MSL
Under 14 CFR 91.159, for a magnetic course of 180° through 359°, VFR cruising altitudes more than 3,000 feet AGL must be even thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 4,500, 6,500, 8,500). Since the course is 250°, 8,500 feet MSL is the compliant altitude.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 8,000 feet is a round even-thousand altitude with no 500-foot addition, which is not compliant for VFR cruising above 3,000 AGL.
- C. 7,500 feet is an odd-thousand-plus-500 altitude, appropriate for courses 000°–179°, not 250°.
- D. 9,500 feet is odd-thousand-plus-500, which applies to courses 000°–179°, not 250°.
VFR Cruising Altitude Rule (Hemispheric Rule)
14 CFR 91.159 requires specific VFR cruising altitudes based on magnetic course when more than 3,000 feet above the surface, to help separate opposite-direction traffic.
- Magnetic course 000°–179°: odd thousands + 500 ft (e.g., 5,500, 7,500)
- Magnetic course 180°–359°: even thousands + 500 ft (e.g., 6,500, 8,500)
- Rule applies only above 3,000 feet AGL
Memory trick: 'Odd East, Even West' — odd course headings get odd altitudes, even headings get even altitudes.