Cardinal Altitude

Cardinal Altitude

What is Cardinal Altitude?

Key Elevations in Aviation

Cardinal Altitudes are specific flight levels that pilots use for optimal performance and safety.

Cardinal altitudes refer to flight levels or altitudes in thousand-foot increments, commonly used in aviation as standard altitudes.

• Usage in Flight: Pilots often use cardinal altitudes for cruising to ensure a safe vertical separation between aircraft.
• Altitude Conventions: These altitudes are often subject to semi-circular rules where aircraft flying in certain directions maintain specific cardinal altitudes.
• Safety and Navigation: Adhering to cardinal altitudes is a key aspect of air navigation and safety, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Cardinal altitudes are a fundamental part of aviation navigation and safety, providing a structured system for altitude management.