[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 14, Volume 2]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 14CFR91.159]

[Page 197]
 
                     TITLE 14--AERONAUTICSAND SPACE
 
CHAPTER I--FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 
                               (CONTINUED)
 
PART 91--GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES--Table of Contents
 
                         Subpart B--Flight Rules
 
Sec. 91.159  VFR cruising altitude or flight level.

    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 or flight level prescribed below, unless 
otherwise authorized by ATC:
    (a) When operating below 18,000 feet MSL and--
    (1) On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any 
odd thousand foot MSL altitude +500 feet (such as 3,500, 5,500, or 
7,500); or
    (2) On a magnetic course of 180 degrees through 359 degrees, any 
even thousand foot MSL altitude +500 feet (such as 4,500, 6,500, or 
8,500).
    (b) When operating above 18,000 feet MSL to flight level 290 
(inclusive) and--
    (1) On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any 
odd flight level +500 feet (such as 195, 215, or 235); or
    (2) On a magnetic course of 180 degrees through 359 degrees, any 
even flight level +500 feet (such as 185, 205, or 225).
    (c) When operating above flight level 290 and--
    (1) On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any 
flight level, at 4,000-foot intervals, beginning at and including flight 
level 300 (such as flight level 300, 340, or 380); or
    (2) On a magnetic course of 180 degrees through 359 degrees, any 
flight level, at 4,000-foot intervals, beginning at and including flight 
level 320 (such as flight level 320, 360, or 400).