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Cruising VFR more than 3,000 feet AGL on a magnetic course of 090, which altitude follows the rule?

Odd thousands plus 500, like 5,500 feet MSL.

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  1. 5,500 feet MSL ✔
  2. 6,500 feet MSL
  3. 6,000 feet MSL

Why: Rule 91.159 assigns VFR flights on magnetic courses 0 to 179 degrees to odd thousands plus 500 feet. Courses 180 to 359 use even thousands plus 500 feet.

Huh, didn't know that: The rule applies only above 3,000 feet AGL and below 18,000 feet MSL, and it uses magnetic course, not heading.

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References

Answer: 5,500 feet MSL. Rule 91.159 assigns VFR flights on magnetic courses 0 to 179 degrees to odd thousands plus 500 feet. Courses 180 to 359 use even thousands plus 500 feet.

  1. 14 CFR 91.159 VFR cruising altitude or flight level (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFR4d7cd0e3cc4be86/section-91.159
    On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any odd thousand foot MSL altitude + 500 feet
    Checked 2026-10-07.

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