Ready for level change

[togsdragracing]

Today I heard Shannon instructing a transatlatic flight to "Report when ready for level change". At the time the flight was at 32000 feet over the Irish Sea. In my ignorance I was wondering what else the flight crew had to do from that point before being ready to change level?

[AyrTC]

If the flight was Westbound it’s Oceanic crossing level may be different from it’s present cruising level. It may want a late climb or descent to save fuel, stay out of turbulence, be too heavy to climb to the level issued by Shanwick or they want to use the level change to cross the Oceanic Entry Point at the correct time.

[togsdragracing]

Yes sorry Ayr I should have said westbound. Thanks for the reply.

[Hotel Tango]

Another reason is that the requested Oceanic Crossing level is higher than their present level and they are waiting to be light enough to climb to that level.

[tonytales]

Or as back in the days:
A BOAC 707 on a trans-Atlantic flight flew high over an Irish Airlines B.720 who ha just refused a higher altitude.
"Whast's the matter Paddy? Got engine trouble?".
"No," said Irish, "Just a full load".

[DaveReidUK]

too heavy to climb

waiting to be light enough to climb

When two posters agree on something, that's good enough for me. :O