Service Ceiling Test

[nauga]

Van’s lists the estimated ceiling at gross and at “solo weight” but I don’t think they have any data for how the plane flies at empty weight.

If Van's philosophy is anything like it used to be I'll bet they've got "data for how the airplane flies" at some builders' empty weights.

They probably don't have any higher altitude climb data at gross weight either, but the point of the engineering in flight test is knowing where to draw the X.

Nauga,
and his data hammer

 

[Pinecone]

I don’t have much glider time, but I do recall gliders being allowed above FL180 on occasion.

They are pre-coordinated with ATC, with special requirements.

Having made it to FL180 in a glider once.

I was going to mention the Basic Med thing also. I am Basic Med, but looking at a turbocharged airplane, so will need to get a read medical to really use the capability.

 

[woodchucker]

I’m med 3. Want me to take you to the stratosphere?