What is the altitude range for VFR altitude rules when flying between 0-179 degrees?

The VFR altitude rules for aircraft flying in controlled airspace provide guidelines for which altitude to maintain based on the compass heading. For flights conducted on magnetic course headings between 0 and 179 degrees, the appropriate altitude is the odd thousands of feet plus 500 feet. This means that if you are flying at a heading of, for example, 90 degrees (east), you would choose an altitude such as 3,500 MSL or 5,500 MSL.

This rule is essential for maintaining vertical separation between aircraft flying in opposite directions and is part of standardized VFR operating procedures to ensure safety and efficiency in the airspace system. The guidelines help pilots to know which altitudes to fly at so that there is less likelihood of encountering other aircraft flying in the opposite direction at the same altitude.

The other altitude options do not fit the VFR rules as they pertain to either even thousand foot altitudes or other conditions. The distinction between odd and even altitudes helps reinforce the systematic approach to altitude selection based on headings.