AIM — FAA OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE

4-6-2 Flight Level Orientation Scheme

AIM Chapter 4. Air Traffic Control — Section 4-6, Operational Policy/Procedures for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in the Domestic U.S., Alaska, Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR

Official text — AIM 4-6-2

AIM — FAA OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE

Altitude assignments for direction of flight follow a scheme of odd altitude assignment for magnetic courses 000-179 degrees and even altitudes for magnetic courses 180-359 degrees for flights up to and including FL 410, as indicated in FIG 4-6-1.

FIG 4-6-2Flight Level Orientation Scheme

NOTE— Odd Flight Levels: Magnetic Course 000-179 Degrees Even Flight Levels: Magnetic Course 180-359 Degrees.

Reproduced from the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (Basic (with Change 3)). The AIM is FAA guidance, not regulation. Verify against the official source before relying on it operationally.

Is this a regulation?

No — this is FAA guidance, not a regulation.

Aeronautical Information Manual. FAA operational guidance and recommended practices. The AIM is not regulatory, although it often explains how to comply with regulations.

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