For a course of 150 degrees, which altitude should be assigned for IFR flight?

For a course of 150 degrees, which altitude should be assigned for IFR flight?

• A. Odd altitude
• B. Even altitude
• C. MEAs
• D. Flight level based on course

Answer: (A)

Altitudes on IFR enroute airways follow a direction-based rule: eastbound flights use odd-numbered altitudes (thousands of feet) with a 500-foot increment, while westbound flights use even-numbered altitudes with the same 500-foot increment. A course of 150 degrees points east, so the appropriate assignment is an odd altitude, such as 3,500 or 5,500 feet, depending on the airway’s MEA and terrain. MEA is a separate constraint that ensures obstacle clearance and navigation reception, not the parity of the altitude. Flight levels apply above the transition altitude, but the same east–west parity concept governs level selection there as well; the question focuses on the directional rule, making an odd altitude the correct choice.

Altitudes on IFR enroute airways follow a direction-based rule: eastbound flights use odd-numbered altitudes (thousands of feet) with a 500-foot increment, while westbound flights use even-numbered altitudes with the same 500-foot increment. A course of 150 degrees points east, so the appropriate assignment is an odd altitude, such as 3,500 or 5,500 feet, depending on the airway’s MEA and terrain. MEA is a separate constraint that ensures obstacle clearance and navigation reception, not the parity of the altitude. Flight levels apply above the transition altitude, but the same east–west parity concept governs level selection there as well; the question focuses on the directional rule, making an odd altitude the correct choice.