If a pilot receives a clearance to 'maintain VFR conditions on top' in Class E airspace, what altitude should they maintain?

The correct answer is that a pilot should maintain a VFR cruising altitude based on magnetic course when given a clearance to "maintain VFR conditions on top" in Class E airspace.

This is important because VFR cruising altitudes are established to ensure safe vertical separation between aircraft flying under visual flight rules. When determining the appropriate altitude, pilots must consider their magnetic course in order to comply with the FAA regulations that dictate these altitudes. According to these regulations, aircraft flying at or above 3,000 feet AGL, when navigating on a magnetic course of 0° to 179°, should fly at odd thousand-foot altitudes plus 500 feet (i.e., 3,500; 5,500; 7,500, etc.), while those flying on a magnetic course of 180° to 359° should fly at even thousand-foot altitudes plus 500 feet (i.e., 4,500; 6,500; 8,500, etc.).

By maintaining an altitude based on magnetic course, pilots can ensure they are adhering to these VFR cruising altitude rules, thus enhancing safety and efficiency in the airspace system.