§ 91.159 VFR cruising altitude or flight level
14 CFR Part 91 — Subpart B—Flight Rules
Official text — 14 CFR § 91.159
REGULATION — LEGALLY BINDINGExcept while holding in a holding pattern of 2 minutes or less, or while turning, each person operating an aircraft under VFR in level cruising flight more than 3,000 feet above the surface shall maintain the appropriate altitude or flight level prescribed below, unless otherwise authorized by ATC:
(a) When operating below 18,000 feet MSL and—
(1) On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any odd thousand foot MSL altitude + 500 feet (such as 3,500, 5,500, or 7,500); or
(2) On a magnetic course of 180 degrees through 359 degrees, any even thousand foot MSL altitude + 500 feet (such as 4,500, 6,500, or 8,500).
(b) When operating above 18,000 feet MSL, maintain the altitude or flight level assigned by ATC.
Reproduced from the eCFR. Text as amended through 2026-07-31. Verify against the official source before relying on it operationally.
SkeyeMentor explanation
Educational — not an FAA sourceIn plain English
VFR cruising altitude and flight level rules — how magnetic course determines whether you fly odd or even thousands plus 500 feet in level cruising flight more than 3,000 feet above the surface.
Why it matters
Hemispheric cruising altitudes are a basic separation tool between VFR aircraft.
Common mistake
Applying the rule based on heading rather than magnetic course, or applying it below 3,000 feet AGL where it does not apply.
Quick example
You are cruising on a magnetic course of 200 degrees at 6,500 feet MSL over terrain at 1,000 feet MSL. Check compliance.
Written and reviewed by the SkeyeMentor editorial team. This explanation is a study aid, not legal advice, and it is not part of the official text above. Verify current requirements through the official source before relying on them operationally.
Is this a regulation?
Yes — this is regulatory text and is legally binding.
Text published in the Code of Federal Regulations. Regulations are legally binding on pilots and operators.
Yes — this is the text of a Federal Aviation Regulation. It is legally binding. The explanation below it is SkeyeMentor educational content, not part of the regulation.