What is the maximum operating altitude?

What is the maximum operating altitude?

• A. 50,000'
• B. 45,000'
• C. 40,000'
• D. 60,000'

Answer: (B)

The maximum operating altitude is the aircraft’s service ceiling—the highest altitude at which it can operate while still meeting its published performance and certification requirements. For this airplane, the service ceiling is 45,000 feet. Above that, air is too thin for the engines and systems to sustain the necessary cruise and climb performance, and it would exceed the certified limits for pressurization and structure. So 45,000 feet is the upper limit. Flying at 40,000 feet is well within the envelope, while 50,000 or 60,000 feet would exceed the certified ceiling.

The maximum operating altitude is the aircraft’s service ceiling—the highest altitude at which it can operate while still meeting its published performance and certification requirements. For this airplane, the service ceiling is 45,000 feet. Above that, air is too thin for the engines and systems to sustain the necessary cruise and climb performance, and it would exceed the certified limits for pressurization and structure. So 45,000 feet is the upper limit. Flying at 40,000 feet is well within the envelope, while 50,000 or 60,000 feet would exceed the certified ceiling.