VFR altitudes...

[Bidimus]

Sorry but here is another newbie question. I've been studying up on the V-2 and reading about the necessary procedures and calls. In the example that's posted and a few other sources I hear them ask for clearance for 3000 ft. Everything I've learned up till now says VFR flights fly at intervals ending in 500 though. So in the case of the east bound route in the V-2 wouldn't it be 3000 + 500 for VFR making it 3500? I suspect there is something I'm not getting about this rule.

[Peter Grey]

The VFR altitude rule you state is 95% correct, your missing 1 small part which makes all the difference in your question.

Here is the full reg:

§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, maintain the altitude or flight level assigned by ATC.

Key part is "more than 3000 feet" AGL. So at low altitudes the VFR cruising rule does not apply.

[Bidimus]

Thanks. I was just rereading that again when you posted too. lol That explains a lot. Now to burn that into my memory along with everything else.