Most efficient flight level for short flights (GA)?

Find or share aviation knowledge
new reply
CarbonBasedLifeForm
Airman
Posts: 15
Joined: 16 Apr 2017, 12:23

Most efficient flight level for short flights (GA)?

Post by CarbonBasedLifeForm »

I use the Skylane for relatively short flights in fseconomy (rarely refuel past 25%). I know that climbs are not efficient and that 10,000 ft is the most efficient for fuel economy, but what if the flight is short (say about 70nm)?

User avatar
Oracle427
Chief Master Sergeant
Posts: 3916
Joined: 02 Sep 2013, 19:30
Location: 3N6
Contact:

Re: Most efficient flight level for short flights (GA)?

Post by Oracle427 »

The answer can be found in winds aloft. The altitude selection will depends largely on cloud layers, temps and winds.

This applies for all flights. It makes little sense to climb to 10,000' if you're fighting a 50 knot headwind up there. You also don't want to climb into layers with icing. Airspace considerations may keep you at certain attitudes.

I also like to climb a little higher to get over the bumps if there are pireps of smoother air higher up.
Flight Simmer since 1983. PP ASEL IR Tailwheel
N28021 1979 Super Viking 17-30A

User avatar
AKar
A2A Master Mechanic
Posts: 5208
Joined: 26 May 2013, 05:03

Re: Most efficient flight level for short flights (GA)?

Post by AKar »

With A2A you can cheat a bit and experiment with the popup menu that gives you real-time fuel use figures. :)

-Esa

User avatar
ratty
Technical Sergeant
Posts: 896
Joined: 29 Oct 2013, 21:08
Location: KPMP

Re: Most efficient flight level for short flights (GA)?

Post by ratty »

How about: high enough to be able to glide to a safe landing spot if the engine fails?
Image

new reply

Return to “Flight Academy”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests