What cruising altitude is required when flying VFR at more than 3,000 feet AGL?

The requirement for cruising altitude when flying Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at more than 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL) is determined based on the magnetic course. This practice is established to maintain safe vertical separation between aircraft, especially in areas where air traffic may be congested.

When flying VFR, the magnetic course dictates which altitude a pilot should maintain. For flights on a magnetic course of 0 to 179 degrees, the pilot should fly at odd thousand-foot altitudes plus 500 feet (e.g., 3,500 feet, 5,500 feet). For courses of 180 to 359 degrees, even thousand-foot altitudes plus 500 feet (e.g., 4,500 feet, 6,500 feet) are required. This system helps ensure that aircraft traveling in opposite directions maintain adequate vertical separation, thereby promoting safety in the airspace.

The other options, such as using true course, magnetic heading, or GPS coordinates, do not comply with the altitude requirements laid out for VFR flying. True course would not account for magnetic variations, which can lead to inappropriate altitude assignments. Magnetic heading is tied to the aircraft's direction rather than its track, and GPS coordinates are not used to