Best cruise altitude
- ClipperLuna
- Technical Sergeant
- Posts: 757
- Joined: 23 May 2014, 12:50
- Location: KPUW
Re: Best cruise altitude
I don't think there is any one altitude that's "best," but for what it's worth, I can tell you my own rule of thumb. I fly as close to 8,000 feet as I can while still maintaining an adequate terrain clearance margin. By "adequate" I prefer a few thousand, but in reality I've gotten by with just 2,000 or so. 8,000 is about where the engine is "naturally" throttled down to 75% power with the throttle wide open (RPM depending, of course). I nearly always fly VFR, so I usually go for 7,500, 8,500, or 9,500 feet.
Re: Best cruise altitude
I'll do that and I'll use your rule of thumb I personally like 8000 west bound and 7000 east bound
Re: Best cruise altitude
For what it's worth:awash2002 wrote:I'll do that and I'll use your rule of thumb I personally like 8000 west bound and 7000 east bound
"§ 91.159 VFR cruising altitude or flight level.
Except while holding in a holding pattern of 2 minutes or less, or while turning, each person operating an aircraft under VFR in level cruising flight more than 3,000 feet above the surface shall maintain the appropriate altitude or flight level prescribed below, unless otherwise authorized by ATC:
(a) When operating below 18,000 feet MSL and -
(1) On a magnetic course of zero degrees through 179 degrees, any odd thousand foot MSL altitude + 500 feet (such as 3,500, 5,500, or 7,500); or
(2) On a magnetic course of 180 degrees through 359 degrees, any even thousand foot MSL altitude + 500 feet (such as 4,500, 6,500, or 8,500)."
And, yes, going long distances I usually opt for around 8,000, unless there are significantly better winds at another (accessible) altitude.
Re: Best cruise altitude
That's what I plan for is between 6000 to 8000 west bound and 7000 to 11000 East bound
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