Semicircular cruising levels

Which level do I cruise at?

Cruising levels

Magnetic track 000-179 odd, 180-359 even. Climb through the bands.

• Above FL410 odd: 450, 490 · 430, 470 Above RVSM, IFR levels are 4000 ft apart: 000-179 FL450, 490...; 180-359 FL430, 470.... A modified 1000 ft table may be prescribed above FL410.
• RVSM FL290 to FL410 IFR only, 1000 ft apart 000-179: FL290, 310... 410. 180-359: FL300, 320... 400. No VFR here: authorisation above FL290 is never granted where 1000 ft separation applies.
• Below FL290 IFR odd/even · VFR +500 000-179: IFR FL10, 30, 50...; VFR FL35, 55.... 180-359: IFR FL20, 40...; VFR FL45, 65.... VFR uses the table above 900 m (3000 ft) AGL.
• Altitudes at or below the TA Low down, under the lowest usable flight level (or at or under the transition altitude), cruising levels are stated as altitudes, not flight levels.

Memory hook: East is odd, west is even; VFR adds 500.

Takeaway: Below FL290: IFR odd or even thousands, VFR adds 500 ft. RVSM FL290-410: 1000 ft steps, no VFR. Above FL410: 4000 ft gaps.