How do you figure VFR cruising altitudes?
VFR Cruising Altitudes and Flight Levels:
- 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.
- 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)
What altitudes should you use when operating VFR in level cruising flight at more than 3000 feet AGL and what determines those altitudes?
According to FAR 91.159, if you’re more than 3,000 AGL, you need to be flying an odd-thousand MSL altitude +500 feet on a magnetic course of 0-179. And if you’re flying a magnetic course of 180-359, you should fly an even-thousand altitude +500 feet.
What altitudes should you use when operating under VFR in level cruising flight?
14 CFR § 91.159 – VFR cruising altitude or flight level.
- (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.
When to maintain a cruising altitude under VFR?
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:
How should the cruising altitude ( far 91.159 ) be?
First, you said you’re cruising at 4500 indicated, but then state that you are 4500 AGL. Indicated altitude is usually MSL, so this means the terrain is at 0 ft MSL until the base of the cliff, which then shoots up to 4000 MSL.
When does VFR 91.159 no longer apply?
The moment that the distance between your aircraft traveling at 4500 MSL and the ground is 3000 feet or less, then 91.159 no longer applies, and you can fly any altitude you need in order to maneuver around or over obstructions at or below 3,000 AGL.
When to maintain an altitude or flight level?
(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 .