Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your IFR Certification!

When operating under a VFR-on-top clearance, the altitude you select for cruising is determined by your magnetic course. This means that the altitude should comply with the regulations concerning VFR cruising altitudes, which stipulate that pilots must maintain specific altitudes depending on the magnetic course they are flying.

In the context of VFR cruising altitudes, odd altitudes are assigned for courses from 0 to 179 degrees (e.g., 3,500; 5,500; 7,500 feet), and even altitudes for courses from 180 to 359 degrees (e.g., 4,000; 6,000; 8,000 feet). The reference for this determination is always the magnetic course, as this accounts for magnetic variation and provides greater accuracy for navigation.

Selecting an altitude based on true course or flight plan routing would not align with the established VFR cruising altitude rules, which specifically require the use of magnetic headings to ensure safe separation from other traffic operating under both VFR and IFR.