Aeronautical Information Manual

AIM 4-6-2

Flight Level Orientation Scheme

This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.

Altitude assignments for direction of flight follow a scheme of odd altitude assignment for magnetic courses 000-179 degrees and even altitudes for magnetic courses 180-359 degrees for flights up to and including FL 410, as indicated in FIG 4-6-1 .

FIG 4-6-2 Flight Level Orientation Scheme

NOTE-

Odd Flight Levels: Magnetic Course 000-179 Degrees Even Flight Levels: Magnetic Course 180-359 Degrees.

Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 20, 2026.