VFR Cruising Altitudes

FAR 91.159 — VFR Cruising Altitudes

FAR 91.159 sets VFR cruising altitudes above 3,000 ft AGL. Learn the East/West odd+500, even+500 rule for student pilots prepping for checkride.

In Plain English

FAR 91.159 tells you which altitude to fly when cruising VFR more than 3,000 feet above the surface (AGL, not MSL). The rule keeps opposite-direction traffic vertically separated by 1,000 feet.

Below 18,000 feet MSL, pick your altitude based on your magnetic course (the direction you're actually tracking, not heading):

Magnetic course 0°–179° (eastbound): fly odd thousands + 500 ft (3,500, 5,500, 7,500, etc.).
Magnetic course 180°–359° (westbound): fly even thousands + 500 ft (4,500, 6,500, 8,500, etc.).

Above 18,000 feet MSL, you fly the altitude or flight level assigned by ATC (this is Class A airspace, where VFR isn't normally permitted anyway).

The rule does not apply when you're holding in a pattern of 2 minutes or less, while turning, or if ATC authorizes otherwise. Also remember the trigger is 3,000 ft AGL — below that, hemispheric rules don't apply, though good airmanship still does.

Why it matters: failing to fly a proper VFR cruising altitude is a common checkride bust and a real midair collision risk on cross-countries.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 91.159

§ 91.159 VFR cruising altitude or flight level. Except while holding in a holding pattern of 2 minutes or less, or while turning, each person operating an aircraft under VFR in level cruising flight more than 3,000 feet above the surface shall maintain the appropriate altitude or flight level prescribed below, unless otherwise authorized by ATC: (a) When operating below 18,000 feet MSL and— (1) On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any odd thousand foot MSL altitude + 500 feet (such as 3,500, 5,500, or 7,500); or (2) On a magnetic course of 180 degrees through 359 degrees, any even thousand foot MSL altitude + 500 feet (such as 4,500, 6,500, or 8,500). (b) When operating above 18,000 feet MSL, maintain the altitude or flight level assigned by ATC. [Docket 18334, 54 FR 34294, Aug. 18, 1989, as amended by Amdt. 91-276, 68 FR 61321, Oct. 27, 2003; 68 FR 70133, Dec. 17, 2003]

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1When does the VFR hemispheric cruising altitude rule apply, and what altitudes would you fly on a magnetic course of 90° at 6,500 feet MSL?

Per FAR 91.159, the rule applies in level VFR cruising flight more than 3,000 feet above the surface. On a magnetic course of 90° (eastbound, 0°–179°), you'd fly an odd thousand + 500, so 7,500 ft would be appropriate rather than 6,500.

Q2If you're flying VFR westbound at 8,500 feet MSL, is that legal under FAR 91.159?

Yes. FAR 91.159 requires westbound VFR flights (magnetic course 180°–359°) above 3,000 ft AGL to fly even thousands + 500, and 8,500 ft satisfies that requirement.

Q3Are there any exceptions to the VFR cruising altitude requirement?

FAR 91.159 does not require compliance while holding in a pattern of 2 minutes or less, while turning, or when otherwise authorized by ATC. Above 18,000 ft MSL, the altitude is whatever ATC assigns.

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Related Sections in Part 91

§ 91.1

Part 91 Applicability