for a plotted true course of 090 I find that before correcting for the wind I have to fly a magnetic course of 087 finally with a WCA of 8E giving me a CH of 079 what is my VFR cruising altitude
a. above 3000' agl
b. above FL 180
c. below 1500' agl
I choose a more than 3000' agl due to the magnetic course; prior to correcting for wind, the altitude above ground must be atleast 3000' VFR cruising.
MC= true course plus or minus variation. MC between 0 and 179 degrees at odd altitudes MSL plus 500 feet. MC determines odd or even altitudes.IFR traffic could be 500 feet above or below. Staying straight and level is imperative; do not go wandering into other's airspace.
See and avoid, or see and be seen... at higher altitudes aircraft fly faster, thus proper VFR cruising agl is critical. Of course there exceptions for level flight, but these are NOT covered under VFR cruising altitude.
These are: 1000', 1500', 2000', and 2500'. There will be increased traffic below 3000'.