When flying east or west VFR, at what altitude must you start adding 500 feet to the correct 1000 foot altitude for your direction of travel?

When flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at altitudes above 3000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level), pilots must adhere to specific altitude regulations regarding their direction of travel. This regulation, which is designed to ensure proper vertical separation between aircraft operating in different directions, requires pilots flying east (magnetic heading of 0° to 179°) to add 500 feet to the standard 1000-foot increments for their altitude.

Thus, if a pilot is flying east and wishes to maintain an altitude of 4000 feet in compliance with these regulations, they would actually select an altitude of 4500 feet. Similarly, when flying west (magnetic heading of 180° to 359°), the same rule applies—the pilot would also add 500 feet to their chosen 1000-foot altitude.

The correct threshold for this adjustment starts at 3000 feet AGL, which is why this option is accurate for determining when to apply that 500-foot standard above the set altitude that corresponds with the aircraft's directional travel. Understanding this regulation is crucial for maintaining safe separation between aircraft and ensuring compliance with VFR flight rules.