Microsoft Flight Simulator Handbook

by Jonathan M. Stern

Federal Aviation Altitude Regulations

The Federal Aviation Regulations require aircraft operating under visual flight rules to maintain specified altitudes while making a trip, whether it's 100 miles or five miles out to the practice area. For flights at more than 3,000 feet above the ground (AGL), the rules outlined in Table 4.1 should be observed.

TABLE 4.1 Federal Aviation Altitude Regulations
	Altitude Below 18,000 feet MSL	Altitude Above 18,000 feet MSL to Flight Level 290 (inclusive)	Altitude Above Flight Level 290
Magnetic Course 0–179°	Odd thousands plus 500 feet MSL (3,500, 5,500, 7,500)	Odd flight levels plus 500 feet (flight level 195, 215, 235)	Any flight level at 4,000 foot intervals, beginning at and including flight level 300 (flight levels 300, 340, 380)
Magnetic Course 180–359°	Even thousands plus 500 feet MSL (4,500, 6,500, 8,500)	Even flight levels plus 500 feet (flight level 185, 205, 225)	Any flight level at 4,000 foot intervals, beginning at and including flight level 320 (flight levels 320, 360, 400)

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