East-west rule

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The east-west rule defines recommended or required cruising altitudes for aircraft. For the U.S. you can find these in the AIM.

IFR:

If you are IFR below 18,000 feet (in the U.S.) and in Class G airspace, the following apply based on your magnetic course:

  • If the course is from 0º to 179º then you should cruise at odd thousands MSL (3,000; 5,000; etc.)
  • If the course is from 180º to 359º then you should cruise at even thousands MSL (4,000; 6,000; etc.)

In any other (controlled) airspace, these are recommended filing altitudes, but you must remember that ATC assigned altitudes are what you will actually fly.

See the online AIM IFR Cruise Altitudes -- the table at the bottom of the page is the official requirement.

VFR:

If you are VFR (in the U.S.) and your altitude is more than 3,000 feet AGL, the following apply based on your magnetic course:

  • If the course is from 0º to 179º then you should cruise at odd thousands MSL plus 500 feet (3,500; 5,500; etc.)
  • If the course is from 180º to 359º then you should cruise at even thousands MSL plus 500 feet (4,500; 6,500; etc.)

See the online AIM VFR Cruise Altitudes -- the table at the bottom of the page is the official requirement.

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