Definition
An altitude or flight level flown under Visual Flight Rules, selected by the pilot in accordance with the VFR cruising altitude rules of 14 CFR 91.159. Under those rules, when operating above 3,000 feet AGL in level cruising flight, the pilot chooses an altitude based on magnetic course: odd thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 5,500; 7,500) for courses 0° through 179°, and even thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 6,500; 8,500) for courses 180° through 359°.
Plain English
An altitude the pilot picks themselves while flying by visual reference, following the standard rule that matches your altitude to the direction you're heading.
Context Anchor
Seen when a pilot cancels an instrument flight plan and continues the trip under visual flight rules.
Derivation
VFR stands for visual flight rules: flying under rules that require enough visibility to see and avoid other aircraft. Altitude comes from the Latin altus, meaning high. Flight level means a standardized high-altitude height based on a common pressure setting, so aircraft using it are measuring from the same reference.
Why Pilots Care
Places the aircraft at a legal and predictable height that avoids IFR traffic and satisfies regulatory requirements for VFR flight.
Grounding Statement
After canceling an instrument flight plan, picture choosing the proper VFR height before you continue on your route.
Intuition Check
A VFR altitude/flight level does not mean any altitude that looks convenient. It means a height that is allowed for visual flight rules, fits your direction of travel, and still respects the area of sky you are in and any air traffic control instructions.
Example Sentence 1
After canceling IFR with center, the pilot descended from 8,000 to a VFR altitude of 7,500 feet for the westbound leg home.
Example Sentence 2
The controller confirmed the aircraft was established at a VFR flight level before terminating radar service.