Calculate mintra level
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: menorca
Calculate mintra level
Hi guys
I was just wondering if there is any way of calculating the FL at which condensation occurs, I know from some documentaries that these calculations where very important for wwII bombers and i feel curious about it.
Thanks in advance
I was just wondering if there is any way of calculating the FL at which condensation occurs, I know from some documentaries that these calculations where very important for wwII bombers and i feel curious about it.
Thanks in advance


Joined: Dec 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 3,985
Likes: 568
From: Where the Quaboag River flows, USA
Divide the dewpoint spread by 2. The "2" in the equation is the lapse rate in centigrade. Temp is 24C, dewpoint 18C, the spread is 6C, divide by 2 equals a cloud base at 3000 feet.

Joined: Aug 1998
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 6,623
Likes: 847
From: Ex-pat Aussie in the UK
That's a bit simple, galaxy flyer - and doesn't answer the question.
The level at which contrails will appear was probably calculated graphically from upper air data.
The level at which contrails will appear was probably calculated graphically from upper air data.


Joined: Dec 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 3,985
Likes: 568
From: Where the Quaboag River flows, USA
Touche, Checkboard, I reread the question. I don't know how to read it, but a skew-T chart has a "kink" in the sounding that indicates the contrail level. It is used by the tactical types to avoid leaving a contrail.





