What is the max cruise altitude for the C182T?

[arnobg]

Planning a trip that picks my way around the Rockies. What is the MAX safe altitude in this aircraft? I never take it above 8,000-,9000 normally just because I don't need to. Can it safely operate at 11,000-12,500? I know the oxygen requirements so that's why I will be stopping there.

[Piper_EEWL]

Yes 12,500ft should be no problem. I think the hypoxia starts at about 14,500ft. So you should be fine. You can also climb higher and try to catch the hypoxia effects before you black out. I quite enjoy pushing the envelope in the sim a bit since the consequences are a lot less severe than in RL

[Jacques]

it has been a while since I took the 172 to high altitude (in the sim) but I remember being around 14000' for a short amount of time (somewhere around 1/2 hour) with no hypoxia symptoms present. I think you'd be safe at 11,000 to 12,000 for whatever transit you need to make, then go lower when able. Just pay attention to the signs and plan for the possibility. The caveat being that you are doing this in the sim and not tor real, yes?

[arnobg]

Yes this will be in the sim. Is hypoxia simulated in the A2A or something?

[chadryan]

Yes this will be in the sim. Is hypoxia simulated in the A2A or something?

Yes, it is.

[arnobg]

Now that's awesome! Makes me curious to test that out. What exactly does it do?

[Jacques]

Well, wouldn't that spoil the surprise? Give it a try!

[twsharp12]

I fly to KGNB often in the SIM with the 182. On my way there from the East I'll fly by the peak of Longs Peak which is around 14,000ft. I haven't had any issues doing so.

[Piper_EEWL]

I fly to KGNB often in the SIM with the 182. On my way there from the East I'll fly by the peak of Longs Peak which is around 14,000ft. I haven't had any issues doing so.

Try going 1000ft higher and see what happens

[arnobg]

I take pride in being as safe in the sim as I would in real life, so I'll pass on trying it out!

[twsharp12]

Try going 1000ft higher and see what happens

I think I will Flying 1,000 ft OVER Longs Peak should do the trick.

[Piper_EEWL]

Try going 1000ft higher and see what happens

I think I will Flying 1,000 ft OVER Longs Peak should do the trick.

Let us know how that went if you don't mind

[Shadow95]

According to Cessna, the MAX Service Ceiling for the 182 is 18,100 ft (5,517 m)
I flew my Cessna 182 from KLFT to KPAM and, for grins climbed to 15,500. After a short time I started feeling the effects of hypoxia. Descending back down to 9000 feet got me out of a problematic situation.

Don't forget your oxygen .

Happy Flying.

[FishermanIvan]

it has been a while since I took the 172 to high altitude (in the sim) but I remember being around 14000' for a short amount of time (somewhere around 1/2 hour) with no hypoxia symptoms present. I think you'd be safe at 11,000 to 12,000 for whatever transit you need to make, then go lower when able. Just pay attention to the signs and plan for the possibility. The caveat being that you are doing this in the sim and not tor real, yes?

I had a 172 at over 11,000 crossing Crater Lake earlier this year. Made for quite the view... Didn't have tooooo much trouble getting it up and over, despite full tanks, two on board, and a hot day.

[twsharp12]

That is a great shot over Crater Lake!