An aircraft is flying under VFR in uncontrolled airspace with a heading of 095 and a magnetic track of 087 due to wind. The local QNH is 1016 hPa. In order to fly at a flight level that complies with the semicircular rule the pilot should have...
Refer to figures.
When choosing a VFR level to fly, the semicircular rule should apply to enhance separation between VFR flights and reduce the risk of collisions. In simple words, aircraft following eastern magnetic tracks should be separated by 1000 ft with aircraft following western magnetic tracks. According to the semicircular rules:
- When an aircraft is following an eastern magnetic track between 0° and 179°, it should choose an altitude or flight level that will be odd plus 500 ft (3500 ft or FL35, 5500 ft or FL55, 7500 or FL75).
- When an aircraft is following an western magnetic track between 180° and 359°, it should choose an altitude or flight level that will be even plus 500 ft (4500 ft or FL45, 6500 ft or FL65, 8500 or FL85).
⇒ Since our Magnetic Track is 087°, the pilot should choose an altitude or flight level of odd plus 500 ft (FL35 or 3500 ft).
Each pressure setting provides the following indications:
QFE → height above aerodrome level
QNH → altitude above mean sea level
QNE (1013.25 hPa) → flight level above the 1013.25 hPa datum
Since a flight level is required, 1013 hPa should be set on the altimeter.
ICAO Annex 2
CHAPTER 4. VISUAL FLIGHT RULES
4.7 Except where otherwise indicated in air traffic control clearances or specified by the appropriate ATS authority, VFR flights in level cruising flight when operated above 900 m (3000 ft) from the ground or water, or a higher datum as speci fied by the appropriate ATS authority, shall be conducted at a cruising level appropriate to the track as specified in the tables of cruising levels in Appendix 3.
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