In Class E airspace, when cleared to maintain VFR-on-top, the cruising altitude is based on the direction of which measure?

In Class E airspace, when cleared to maintain VFR-on-top, the cruising altitude is based on the direction of which measure?

• A. Magnetic heading
• B. Magnetic course
• C. True course
• D. Ground track

Answer: (B)

When you’re cleared to maintain VFR-on-top in Class E, your cruising altitude is determined by the magnetic direction you intend to fly, not by heading, true course, or ground track. This means you reference the magnetic course (east or west) to choose the appropriate altitude band (for example, eastbound typically uses odd thousands plus 500 feet, westbound even thousands plus 500 feet). Wind can alter your heading and ground track, and true north varies by location, but the magnetic course stays the standard reference for selecting cruising altitudes in en route airspace.

When you’re cleared to maintain VFR-on-top in Class E, your cruising altitude is determined by the magnetic direction you intend to fly, not by heading, true course, or ground track. This means you reference the magnetic course (east or west) to choose the appropriate altitude band (for example, eastbound typically uses odd thousands plus 500 feet, westbound even thousands plus 500 feet). Wind can alter your heading and ground track, and true north varies by location, but the magnetic course stays the standard reference for selecting cruising altitudes in en route airspace.