Private Pilot Private Exam

When flying above 3,000 feet AGL on a magnetic course of 185 degrees, what is the appropriate VFR cruising altitude?

1. 3,500 feet

2. 4,000 feet

3. 4,500 feet

4. 5,000 feet

The correct answer is: 4,500 feet

In VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operations, there are specific altitudes you should use depending on your magnetic course for cruising. When you are flying above 3,000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level), the FAA dictates that, for magnetic courses between 180 and 359 degrees, you should fly at odd thousand-foot altitudes plus 500 feet. For a magnetic course of 185 degrees, the appropriate altitude would be 4,500 feet. This ensures that aircraft are appropriately separated vertically according to their courses while maintaining safety in the airspace. Thus, when you have a magnetic course in the range of 180 to 199 degrees, the correct cruising altitude that adheres to the VFR cruising altitude rules is indeed 4,500 feet.