Not the highest but amusing:
Buccaneer, England to Scotland transit, heading north, FL350.
Me to nav: "I know someone who reckons they have been to FL440 in a Bucc". The silence from the back seat said it all!
Me to London Mil: "***** request climb FL440"
London Mil: "***** clear climb FL440"
We made it and stabilised with just under full power (I forget the M; must have been around 0.85 - 0.9) but with a margin of only about 2 kts between stall buffet and compressibility buffet.
London Mil: "***** turn left heading 320"
Me: "Request descend FL420"
London Mil: "Negative, maintain FL440 and turn left heading 320"
Me: "Sorry, can't. If you want me to turn you will have to let me descend!"
There are times when, over the top of the laughter from the back seat, you can hear the wrath of ATC without a transmission being made! Happy days.
