When operating under IFR with a VFR-On-Top clearance, what altitude should a pilot fly if heading 180°?

When operating under IFR with a VFR-On-Top clearance, the appropriate altitude to maintain depends on the direction of the flight. For a heading of 180°, which is a southbound routing, the pilot should adhere to the general rule that at or above 3,000 feet MSL, even altitudes are reserved for aircraft flying in a general northeast or eastbound direction, while odd altitudes are assigned for southwest and southbound traffic.

In this case, flying at an even thousand-foot MSL altitude plus 500 feet aligns perfectly with those rules. This adds an extra layer to ensure vertical separation from other traffic, which is particularly crucial when flying under IFR conditions where airspace organization and safety are vital.

Choosing this altitude maximizes safety as it helps maintain the prescribed altitude protocol and minimizes the risk of conflict with aircraft flying at standard levels. Altitudes such as 3,500 feet, for instance, provide a safe margin above the base of class B and C airspace, while staying compliant with IFR regulations.

Thus, for a pilot flying south on a heading of 180° under a VFR-On-Top scenario, choosing an even thousand-foot altitude plus 500 feet is the correct decision for ensuring compliance with IFR