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VFR Cruising Altitudes

AIM ¶ 3-1-5 — VFR Cruising Altitudes

AIM 3-1-5 explains VFR cruising altitudes and flight levels by magnetic course. Master odd/even +500 rules for written tests, orals, and checkrides.

In Plain English

AIM 3-1-5 sets the hemispheric rule for VFR cruising altitudes. Once you're more than 3,000 feet AGL (above the surface) and below 18,000 feet MSL, you must pick your cruise altitude based on your magnetic course (your ground track, not heading):

  • Magnetic course 0° to 179° (generally eastbound): fly odd thousands MSL + 500 feet — 3,500; 5,500; 7,500; etc.
  • Magnetic course 180° to 359° (generally westbound): fly even thousands MSL + 500 feet — 4,500; 6,500; 8,500; etc.

Above 18,000 MSL up to FL 290, the same east/west split applies but uses odd or even flight levels + 500 feet (e.g., FL 195 eastbound, FL 185 westbound). Note that above FL 180 you must be IFR in the U.S., so VFR flight levels are largely theoretical here.

Why it matters: Separating eastbound and westbound traffic by 1,000 feet — and offsetting from IFR altitudes by 500 feet — is a key collision-avoidance tool. Expect this on written tests, and a DPE will likely point at a sectional, give you a course, and ask for a legal cruise altitude.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 3-1-5
3-1-5. 3-1-5. VFR Cruising Altitudes and Flight Levels (See TBL 3-1-2 .) TBL 3-1-2 VFR Cruising Altitudes and Flight Levels If your magnetic course (ground track) is: And you are more than 3,000 feet above the surface but below 18,000 feet MSL, fly: And you are above 18,000 feet MSL to FL 290, fly: 0to 179 Odd thousands MSL, plus 500 feet (3,500; 5,500; 7,500, etc.) Odd Flight Levels plus 500 feet (FL 195; FL 215; FL 235, etc.) 180 to 359 Even thousands MSL, plus 500 feet (4,500; 6,500; 8,500, etc.) Even Flight Levels plus 500 feet (FL 185; FL 205; FL 225, etc.) Previous | Top | Next AIM | ATPUBS | FAA | Send your comments regarding this website.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1When does the VFR hemispheric rule apply?
Per AIM 3-1-5, VFR cruising altitudes apply when you're more than 3,000 feet above the surface and below 18,000 feet MSL. Below 3,000 AGL the rule does not apply.
Q2You're flying VFR on a magnetic course of 270° at 7,500 feet MSL, 5,000 feet above the ground. Is that legal?
No. Per AIM 3-1-5, a magnetic course of 180°–359° requires even thousands MSL plus 500 feet (e.g., 6,500 or 8,500). 7,500 is reserved for courses 0°–179°.
Q3Is the altitude based on heading or course?
Per AIM 3-1-5, it's based on magnetic course — your ground track — not magnetic heading. Wind correction can make heading and course differ, but the rule keys off the course you're actually tracking.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 3
3-1-1
Airspace Categories and Types
3-1-2
Airspace Dimensions Reference
3-1-3
Overlapping Airspace Hierarchy
3-1-4
Basic VFR Weather Minimums
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AIM 3-1-5 — VFR Cruising Altitudes