If you had to go from Syd to Darwin what height would you go.
The optimum level offering the minimum fuel, minimum cost, or best Fuel/Time ratio, i.e. according to the current Cost Index.
The level chosen would be evens up to F/L 400 for a RVSM aircraft, or up to F/L 280 for a non RVSM aircraft. Above these 2 levels ICAO levels (Odds every 4000 feet after F/L 310 applies)
Why not fly as high as possible?
As high as possible would probably be ABOVE the optimum level, unless a favourable tailwind existed, and that would be very unlikely SYD-DRW.
What happens to the speed of sound as you get higher?
It decreases proportional to the square root of the absolute temperature UNTIL you reach the Tropopause, and then it remains constant. (Don't forget Tropopause in ISA =36089 ft, 11000 M).
If 743 flying at HIGH altitude (0.84M) and another one is flying at LOW altitude (0.84M), which would have the higher TAS?
The lower one would have the higher TAS because of the higher temperature, as long as it was below the Tropopause. If both were above the Tropopause, both would have the same TAS.
Reconfirm how high you would fly to Darwin and why?
No change to the above.
Don't forget that QANTAS will want to see someone who can see the total picture, not one who can 'zero in' on one aspect only. QANTAS don't hire F/Os, only potential Captains. Good luck future captain.
Last edited by Old Smokey; 16th October 2004 at 13:49.