Maximum operating airport altitude for commercial jets
 

Hello,

I remember reading the maximum "recommended" altitude at which some commercial jets can safely land and take-off (i.e. airport/runway altitudes) and I recall that they were not that high and this confused me.

I wanted to confirm how high, say, a 737NG series or even Jumbo Jets (744's), or Airbuses (A320/A330/A340 series) can land and take-off with respect to airport altitude so that it can safely take-off within a reasonable distance I presume. For example, La Paz, Bolivia airport is well over 13,000 ft MSL!

Can commercial jets use these very high altitude airports without issues or do they need special modifications?

John

Re: Maximum operating airport altitude for commercial jets
 

737-800 is 8400ft - not so high at all really is it? That's with the 26k engines too!

Re: Maximum operating airport altitude for commercial jets
 

If there's a market for it, any airliner can probably be certified for ops at LaPaz or Quito etc. There are plenty of restrictions (TOGW, etc.) but it can be done. Additionally most operators will have special procedures - the crew goes on 100% oxygen 30-60 minutes before departure, etc.

This is one area where four donks really make a difference! Having 75% thrust available at 13,000 ft. really beats 50% available.

Re: Maximum operating airport altitude for commercial jets
 

Back in the 70's Faucett airlines used to operate BAC 1-11's out of La Paz. These were the 475 variant with the big engine and big wing on the short body.
I was on an Oman Airforce 475 out of Saa'na in Yemen (about 7200ft I think) and the performance was not exactly good and we were empty, so 13000ft must be very interesting.
Hope this is of use.

Re: Maximum operating airport altitude for commercial jets
 

Airbus has certified and demonstrated the A319, with both CFM and IAE engines, at Bangda in China. That's the world's highest regularly served airfield at over 14000ft.

Needs some mask-drop system mods, FADEC software changes for the engines and some new crew SOPs - like keep on Ox on the ground!

A whole new meaning to 'Flying High'

Re: Maximum operating airport altitude for commercial jets
 

Interesting you should mention that.... have a look here: http://www.iaenews.com/index.php?dtype=image&cat=3

Check out the crew with their portable O2 bottles and another picture with some rather good looking local airport personnel :}