Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What altitude must a pilot maintain when flying VFR to the east on a magnetic course of 90 degrees below 18,000 feet?

1. Any odd thousand foot MSL altitude

2. Any even thousand foot MSL altitude

3. 3,500 feet MSL

4. 4,500 feet MSL

The correct answer is: Any odd thousand foot MSL altitude

When flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) on a magnetic course of 90 degrees, which is to the east, the correct altitude to maintain below 18,000 feet is any odd thousand foot altitude. This guidance is stipulated to enhance safety and minimize the risk of mid-air collisions by promoting altitude separation among aircraft flying in different directions. The specific altitude assignments are part of the VFR cruising altitudes system, which dictates that pilots flying east (with magnetic courses of 0 to 179 degrees) should operate at odd thousand foot altitudes plus 500 feet. Therefore, a pilot flying to the east would typically use altitudes like 3,500 feet MSL, 5,500 feet MSL, 7,500 feet MSL, and so forth. This system is intended to create a more organized flow of air traffic and reduce the likelihood of conflicts between aircraft traveling in opposite directions at the same altitude while also ensuring that VFR pilots remain aware of their surroundings and maintain safe vertical separation from other aircraft operating under IFR or VFR.