FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Navigation, Air Traffic Control and ProceduresMedium
A pilot is flying VFR above 3,000 feet AGL on a magnetic course of 185°. Which cruising altitude complies with the hemispheric cruising altitude rule under 14 CFR 91.159?
- AAn even thousand-foot altitude, such as 8,000 feet
- BAn even thousand-foot altitude plus 500 feet, such as 8,500 feet
- CAn odd thousand-foot altitude plus 500 feet, such as 7,500 feet
- DAn odd thousand-foot altitude, such as 7,000 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. An even thousand-foot altitude plus 500 feet, such as 8,500 feet
Under 91.159, magnetic courses of 0° through 179° use odd thousand plus 500 feet, while magnetic courses of 180° through 359° use even thousand plus 500 feet for VFR flight above 3,000 feet AGL. Since 185° falls in the 180°–359° range, the pilot must use an even thousand plus 500 feet, such as 8,500 feet.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Even thousand without 500 feet is the IFR altitude convention, not VFR.
- C. Odd thousand plus 500 applies to courses of 0°–179°, not 185°.
- D. Odd thousand without the 500 feet applies to IFR flight, not VFR.
VFR Hemispheric Cruising Altitude Rule
14 CFR 91.159 requires VFR aircraft above 3,000 feet AGL to fly at odd or even thousand-foot altitudes plus 500 feet, depending on magnetic course, to provide vertical separation from opposite-direction traffic.
- Magnetic course 0°–179°: odd thousand + 500 ft
- Magnetic course 180°–359°: even thousand + 500 ft
- Applies only above 3,000 feet AGL
- IFR uses the same course split but without the +500 ft
Memory trick: 'East is odd, West is even, plus 500 to stay VFR-driven'