FAA Ground School Practice Test

At what altitude must a VFR aircraft maintain odd-thousand plus 500 while flying on a magnetic course of 0° through 179°?

1. Above 5000 ft

2. At 5500 ft

3. At 4500 ft

4. At 3000 ft

The correct answer is: At 5500 ft

The requirement for a VFR (Visual Flight Rules) aircraft to maintain odd-thousand plus 500 feet applies to altitudes when flying on magnetic courses between 0° and 179°. This regulation is part of rules that dictate cruising altitude based on the aircraft's magnetic heading. When flying on a course in this range, the appropriate altitude to maintain is 1,500 feet above an odd-thousand foot level in order to ensure safe vertical separation from other aircraft traveling at different altitudes. The odd-thousand altitude associated with this is 5,000 feet, so the correct cruising altitude would be 5,000 feet plus 500 feet, resulting in an altitude of 5,500 feet. This ensures that an aircraft flying within this course range maintains proper vertical separation from any aircraft that might be maintaining even thousand altitudes, enhancing safety in the sky.