Squawk BoxBrowse Topic

What are VFR cruising altitude rules when more than 3,000 feet AGL and below 18,000 feet MSL?

Answer

On a magnetic course of 0°–179°, fly odd thousands MSL plus 500 feet (3,500; 5,500; 7,500, etc.). On a magnetic course of 180°–359°, fly even thousands MSL plus 500 feet (4,500; 6,500; 8,500, etc.). These rules apply when more than 3,000 feet AGL and below 18,000 feet MSL.

AIM 3-1-5
Read the full regulation — AIM 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:
0 to  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.)
General 3-1-3

2/20/25 AIM
Section 2. Controlled Airspace

Test yourself on this and 500+ more

Squawk Box is a free aviation micro-learning app. Flip cards, build streaks, stay sharp.

Try Squawk Box