Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

Which altitude is appropriate for a VFR flight on a magnetic course of 0-179 degrees when below 18,000 feet MSL?

1. Any even thousand foot MSL altitude

2. Any odd thousand foot MSL altitude +500 feet

3. Any thousand foot altitude regardless of magnetic course

4. A and C only

The correct answer is: Any odd thousand foot MSL altitude +500 feet

The correct answer is based on the VFR cruising altitude rules outlined in the Federal Aviation Regulations. For VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flights, the rule states that when flying on a magnetic course of 0-179 degrees below 18,000 feet MSL, pilots should choose an odd thousand foot MSL altitude plus 500 feet. This means that altitudes such as 3,500 feet, 5,500 feet, or 7,500 feet are appropriate. This rule helps to maintain vertical separation between aircraft flying in different directions, which is particularly important for safety in busy airspace. Altitudes conform to the designated hemispheric altitudes where odd altitudes plus 500 feet are assigned for aircraft flying eastbound (0-179 degrees) and even altitudes plus 500 feet for westbound flight (180-359 degrees). The other choices either do not align with these established VFR cruising altitude rules or offer incorrect altitude assignments, which would not ensure the necessary separation and safety when flying in the VFR environment. Thus, the selection of any odd thousand foot MSL altitude plus 500 feet is the only appropriate choice for a magnetic course of 0-179 degrees.