📘14 CFR §91.159 – VFR Cruising Altitude or Flight Level

14 CFR §91.159 – VFR Cruising Altitude or Flight Level

This guide clearly summarizes FAA regulations regarding appropriate VFR cruising altitudes to ensure safe vertical separation and organized traffic flow during cross-country flights.

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🚩 Overview

When flying VFR at cruising altitudes above 3,000 feet AGL, pilots must follow standardized altitude guidelines based on their magnetic course to maintain safe vertical separation from other aircraft.

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✅ Key Operational Requirements

📐 1. Applicability

• These rules apply to flights conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) when operating more than 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

🧭 2. Cruising Altitude Selection

• Altitudes are determined based on the aircraft’s magnetic course:

Magnetic Course	Cruising Altitude	Example Altitudes
0° to 179° (Eastbound)	Odd thousands + 500 feet	3,500 ft, 5,500 ft, 7,500 ft
180° to 359° (Westbound)	Even thousands + 500 feet	4,500 ft, 6,500 ft, 8,500 ft

⚠️ 3. Safety Considerations

• These cruising altitudes help reduce collision risk by providing vertical separation from opposite-direction traffic.

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🛩️ Example Scenario

You're planning a cross-country VFR flight on a magnetic course of 090° (Eastbound). Once you climb above 3,000 ft AGL, select a cruising altitude such as 3,500 ft or 5,500 ft. Conversely, if your magnetic course is 270° (Westbound), select 4,500 ft or 6,500 ft.

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📌 CFI Pro Tips

• Altitude Discipline: Teach your students to always plan cruising altitudes based strictly on magnetic course, reinforcing this habit early to enhance situational awareness and safety.

• Cross-Country Planning: Integrate altitude selection into preflight planning lessons, emphasizing compliance and practical benefits.

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📚 Further Reading and Official References

• 14 CFR §91.159 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-B/section-91.159

• FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) – Cruising Altitudes: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap3_section_1.html