VFR cruising altitudes are determined based on which criteria?

VFR cruising altitudes are established based on magnetic heading. The FAA regulations specify altitudes for VFR flight that are determined by odd and even altitudes dependent on the aircraft's magnetic course. When flying below 3,000 feet AGL and within controlled airspace, pilots must adhere to these altitudes to maintain safe vertical separation from other traffic.

For example, when flying on a heading of 0 to 179 degrees, pilots should choose odd thousands (e.g., 3,000, 5,000 feet) while flying on a heading of 180 to 359 degrees, they should select even thousands (e.g., 4,000, 6,000 feet). This system helps to prevent collisions in the sky by creating a structured layout for altitude usage among aircraft traveling in the same direction.

Other criteria listed, such as aircraft speed, cloud cover, and temperature, do not play a role in determining VFR cruising altitudes as per FAA regulations. Aircraft speed may affect flight planning but does not dictate altitude selection. Cloud cover is more pertinent to VFR versus IFR flight categorization rather than altitude assignment, and temperature is related to performance and density altitude but not altitude regulations or cruising requirements.