Coochycool,
I think I can help a bit there.
Originally Posted by Coochycool
perhaps someone could also even vaguely enlighten me on how one might calculate optimal cruise altitude for fuel efficiency for any given type?
Are there any hard and fast rules/terribly sophisticated equations you can employ or is it just look at the dials and see what you get?
Generally, there are graphs in the Operating Data Manual and in the Flight Reference Cards for a variety of fits (tanks, external stores, etc) which take into account fuel load. For shorter transits there are often rules of thumb based on your distance to travel on, say, recovery to base. Range speed and endurace speed also have an angle of attack associated with them. And, yes, some useful formulae - F3 recovery fuel = distance to base x 5.5 + 300 + Fuel on the Ground.
Originally Posted by Coochycool
As for tanking, what generally dictates the level selected?
Simples, wherever the tanker was. They know the good altitudes for each aircraft type. For long trails, they would do intricate fuel plans to suit the receivers
Originally Posted by Coochycool
Someone just tell me to shut up if I'm getting tedious.
Not at all. But if you do, I'm sure someone will. This is PPRuNe!!!
