An Aviator's Field Guide to Middle-Altitude Flying: Practical skills and tips for flying between 10,000 and 25,000 feet MSL

by Jason Blair

Overview

In An Aviator’s Field Guide to Middle-Altitude Flying, author Jason Blair shares his experience in a variety of piston, twin-engine aircraft commonly used to fly at altitudes between 10,000 and 25,000 feet MSL. This book covers the major phases of flight and the specific considerations for pilots who operate aircraft at these altitudes, including performance and fuel planning, emergencies, descent planning, navigation, weather, aircraft modifications, oxygen use, weight and balance, pilot qualifications, and insurance.

With insight not found in other training manuals or part of typical flight training operations, and gained through his many years instructing and giving checkrides, Blair's book will help the pilot owner or operator evaluate the risks and challenges unique to middle-altitude flying, develop effective flight-planning practices, and take advantage of the increased efficiencies and opportunities offered through these higher operations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781619545946
Publisher:	Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc.
Publication date:	05/22/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	115
File size:	9 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Jason Blair is an active single- and multi-engine instructor and a FAA Designated Pilot Examiner with over 5,000 hours total time and over 3,000 hours instruction given, and he has flown over 100 different makes and models of general aviation aircraft. He has issued over 1,000 pilot certificates in his role as Examiner. He works and has worked for multiple aviation associations that promote training and general aviation. He also consults on aviation training and regulatory efforts for the general aviation industry.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction ix

1 Why Some Piston-Powered Aircraft Can Fly Higher 1

2 Why Fly Higher? 3

3 Pilot Qualification Requirements 7

4 Insurance Discussions 11

5 Oxygen Considerations 13

Backup Oxygen System Considerations 19

6 Emergencies at Middle Altitudes 21

Increased Potential for Icing 21

Turbocharger and Engine Failures 22

Fuel System Pressure Concerns 24

Failure of Oxygen or Pressurization Systems 24

Emergency Descent Procedures 25

Longer Glide Distances 25

Heater System Failures 26

7 Performance and Fuel Planning 29

Two Flight Scenarios 30

How Far to Climb? 30

Considering Fuel Burn over Range 32

Planning for an Alternate 36

8 Descent Planning 39

9 Weight and Balance and Range Considerations in Mid-Sized, Piston Aircraft 45

Landing Weights 49

Zero Fuel Weights 49

Fuel Loading Limitations 50

Common Fueling Practices 51

Other Loading Limitations 54

10 Navigation at Mid-Level Altitudes 57

A Clearance and Flight Scenario 58

Leaving the Airport Environment 60

Enroute Considerations at Middle Altitudes 64

Arrival Procedures 65

A Few Key Points for Higher Altitude Navigation 68

Weather and Middle Altitude Navigation 69

11 Weather Planning for Flights at Mid-Level Altitudes 71

Enroute Weather Considerations 80

Onboard Weather Systems 84

A Word About Sources of Weather Information 86

The Danger Zone-High Accident Rates in Middle-Altitude Flying 88

12 Aircraft Modifications That Affect Middle-Altitude Aircraft 91

Engine Modifications 91

Fuel Systems-Extra Tanks and Fuel Management 92

Vortex Generators (VGs) 94

13 Non-Pressurized Aircraft Operations at Higher Altitudes 97

14 Closing Thoughts 101

Resources 103

About the Author 107