So small flights consists of say I was in the Chicago region and I fly from KORD to KMKE (that is a small flight) and I fly with a commercial airliner (Dash 8, A319). Because it’s a small/regional flight, what should my cruising altitude be?
The altitude needs to be suitable for a commercial airliner. And it can’t be too high otherwise my descent will be a nose dive!
I’ve played IF for along time and I’ve never done a short flight with a commercial airliner! I always do long haul in big regions. So if this seems like a stupid question coming from me, now you know why!
I just need a rough answer (i.e. Between 10,000 and 15,000 feet)
These are speeds and VS that I have worked out myself as a guide. On each occasion it depends on what other traffic is doing, ATC, weight of aircraft etc. but start with these figures as a starting point for all jet aircraft.
CLIMB
Below 10000ft, VS 3000 & 250 Kts.
above 10000ft VS 2500 & 305 Kts
above FL280 VS 1500 & M0.81
Descent: I descend in blocks:
From Cruise to FL120 = VS -2500, Sp M0.69 / 260 Kts
FL120 -6000 ft = VS -1500 Sp 240 Kts ( need to be at FL120 42nm to go)
6000ft-3000ft = VS -1000 Sp 220 Kts ( need to be at 6000 24nm to go)
3000ftv to landing VS -600 ft, Sp 180kts slow down to about 145 for landing ( depending on aircraft) ( need to be at 3000 by 12nm to go)