What flight category requires VFR hemispheric altitudes at and above 3,000 feet AGL?

The flight category that requires VFR hemispheric altitudes at and above 3,000 feet AGL is non-local flights.

Non-local flights generally refer to any flights that do not operate within a close proximity to the point of departure or the local area. This includes cross-country flights or flights that traverse between different airports or regions. The application of hemispheric altitudes is part of the VFR (Visual Flight Rules) guidelines that help maintain safe vertical separation between aircraft flying in opposite directions.

At altitudes above 3,000 feet AGL, the FAA specifies that pilots flying in a north-south direction should operate at odd altitudes (e.g., 3,500; 5,500; 7,500 feet), while those flying east-west should use even altitudes (e.g., 4,500; 6,500; 8,500 feet). This structure minimizes the risk of mid-air collisions by organizing air traffic effectively.

In contrast, local flights often remain close to the departure airport and typically operate below the 3,000 feet AGL threshold, where VFR hemisphere altitude rules are not as critical. Training and aerobatic flights usually have more specific operational parameters that may not require strict adherence