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Flight Level Orientation

AIM ¶ 4-6-2 — Flight Level Orientation

AIM 4-6-2 explains odd/even flight level assignments by magnetic course up to FL410. Study aid for pilot students prepping for written and oral exams.

In Plain English

AIM 4-6-2 describes the hemispheric (odd/even) altitude rule as it applies to flight levels up to and including FL410. The scheme is based on your magnetic course (not heading), and helps keep opposite-direction traffic vertically separated.

The rule is straightforward:

  • Magnetic course 000°–179° → fly odd flight levels (e.g., FL310, FL330, FL350)
  • Magnetic course 180°–359° → fly even flight levels (e.g., FL320, FL340, FL360)

This applies up to and including FL410. Above FL410, different separation procedures apply (covered elsewhere in the AIM and FARs).

Why it matters operationally: when you file or request a cruising altitude on an IFR or VFR-on-top flight, picking the correct odd/even level for your direction of flight reduces controller workload and supports the see-and-avoid concept of vertical separation. A reference figure (FIG 4-6-1) in the AIM provides a visual depiction of the scheme.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 4-6-2
4-6-2. 4-6-2. Flight Level Orientation Scheme Altitude assignments for direction of flight follow a scheme of odd altitude assignment for magnetic courses 000-179 degrees and even altitudes for magnetic courses 180-359 degrees for flights up to and including FL 410, as indicated in FIG 4-6-1 . FIG 4-6-1 Flight Level Orientation Scheme NOTE- Odd Flight Levels: Magnetic Course 000-179 Degrees Even Flight Levels: Magnetic Course 180-359 Degrees.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What flight levels would be appropriate for an aircraft on a magnetic course of 090°?
Per AIM 4-6-2, a magnetic course of 000°–179° calls for odd flight levels (e.g., FL310, FL330, FL350), so a course of 090° would use odd flight levels up to and including FL410.
Q2Up to what altitude does the standard odd/even flight level orientation scheme apply?
Per AIM 4-6-2, the odd/even assignment based on magnetic course applies for flights up to and including FL410.
Q3Is the flight level orientation scheme based on magnetic heading or magnetic course?
Per AIM 4-6-2, the scheme is based on magnetic course — odd flight levels for courses 000°–179° and even flight levels for courses 180°–359°.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4
4-6-1
RVSM Applicability and Mandate
4-6-10
Non-RVSM Accommodation
4-6-11
Non-RVSM Climb/Descent
4-6-3
RVSM Approval Procedures
4-6-4
RVSM Flight Plan Filing
4-6-5
RVSM Operating Procedures
4-6-6
Severe Turbulence & Mountain Wave
4-6-7
RVSM Wake Turbulence
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AIM 4-6-2 — Flight Level Orientation Scheme