FAA Ground School Practice Test

What altitude must VFR pilots maintain when flying on a magnetic course of 180° or more?

1. Odd thousandths

2. Even thousandths

3. Odd thousandths plus 500 ft

4. Even thousandths plus 500 ft

The correct answer is: Odd thousandths plus 500 ft

When flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), pilots are required to follow specific altimeter settings based on their magnetic course to enhance safety and reduce the risk of midair collisions. For aircraft flying on a magnetic course of 180° or greater, VFR pilots must maintain an altitude that includes odd thousandths plus 500 feet. This regulation ensures that when flights are operating in opposite directions – such as aircraft heading toward and away from one another on the same cruising altitude levels – there is vertical separation between them. In essence, a pilot flying on a magnetic course of 180° or more, which indicates a southerly direction, would maintain an altitude of odd thousand plus 500 feet (for example, 3,500 feet, 5,500 feet, etc.). This guideline helps in the systematic use of airspace and allows for the safest possible navigation and flying experiences, minimizing the chances of in-flight encounters with other aircraft. The other choices would not provide the required vertical separation for those flying on the specified magnetic course.