Which FAA exams test 14 CFR 91.159?

This regulation is tested on the following FAA exams: PAR, IRA, CAX. These include the FAA Private Pilot (PAR), FAA Instrument Rating (IRA), FAA Commercial Pilot (CAX).

Part 91General Operating and Flight Rules

14 CFR 91.159 — VFR Cruising Altitude or Flight Level

VFR cruising altitudes based on magnetic course: eastbound (0-179) = odd thousands +500; westbound (180-359) = even thousands +500.

Regulation Text

Except 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: for magnetic courses 0 through 179 degrees, any odd thousand foot MSL altitude +500 feet; for magnetic courses 180 through 359 degrees, any even thousand foot MSL altitude +500 feet.

Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.

Plain-English Explanation

When flying VFR above 3,000 feet AGL, pick your cruise altitude based on your magnetic course. Flying east (0-179 degrees)? Use odd thousands plus 500: 3,500, 5,500, 7,500, etc. Flying west (180-359 degrees)? Use even thousands plus 500: 4,500, 6,500, 8,500, etc. The +500 offset separates VFR traffic from IFR traffic (which uses whole thousands). Easy memory aid: Odd + 500 going East = O+E = 'OddsEast'.

Tested On These Exams

PAR

FAA Private Pilot (PAR)

IRA

FAA Instrument Rating (IRA)

CAX

FAA Commercial Pilot (CAX)

Related Regulations

§91.119

14 CFR 91.119 — Minimum Safe Altitudes

1,000 feet above obstacles in congested areas (within 2,000 ft horizontal), 500 feet AGL over uncongested areas, and safe altitude over open water or sparsely populated areas.

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