Flight Level Allocations

The International Semi Circle Flight Rule


Question

When flying to my destination what height should I fly at ?

Answer

Please note the UK has now changed  to the new method as follows. 

The rest of Europe will change next year.

All Aircraft Heading Easterly 0-179 degrees will fly at Odd Flight Levels 

All Aircraft Heading Westerly 180-359 degrees will fly at Even Flight Levels 

So if you were flying to Tenerife from UK its westerly for most of the route so your flight level will be even

An Exception 

Morning  Shanwick Oceanic traffic up to 1000 hours  UTC may fly at all flight levels when entering the UK airspace. Aircraft without the new altimeters fitted will still have to be separated by 2000ft above Flight Level 280.

This rule is international standards in Europe as from Jan 2002

This has the following effect. If you were flying down a bi-directional airway Traffic passing you going the other way would pass you at a 1000 MPH crossing speed 2000ft above or below you. Your TCAS will have picked them up long before you can see them. To see a 747 going the other way with full con trail is a fantastic sight to see at Flight Level 370. Other rules apply for low level and VFR flights.

 


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