📘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.
🚩 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.
✅ 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:
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.
🛩️ 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.
📌 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.
📚 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
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