Which VFR cruising altitude is acceptable for a flight on a Victor Airway with a magnetic course of 175 degrees?

In VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight, cruising altitudes are determined based on the magnetic course of the flight. When flying on a Victor Airway with a magnetic course of 175 degrees, the appropriate altitude is determined using the hemispheric rule, where even altitudes are assigned to flights on magnetic courses from 180 degrees to 359 degrees.

For an airplane flying a magnetic course of 175 degrees, it falls into the category where the odd altitudes (like 4,500 feet, 6,500 feet, and 8,500 feet) do not apply. Instead, you would choose an even altitude, and 5,500 feet is the first even altitude above the minimum VFR altitude of 1,000 feet AGL, making it suitable for this course.

Choosing 5,500 feet aligns with standard VFR cruising altitudes which stipulate maintaining altitude requirements that enhance safety and separation from other aircraft by adhering to these established guidelines. This altitude allows for optimal navigation and compliance with air traffic routes while minimizing the risk of conflicting with other traffic.

The other altitudes provided are either odd or do not correspond to the appropriate selection for a course heading of 175 degrees, which emphasizes the importance of understanding cruising altitude