Altitude setting when operating Block Levels
 

G'day all,

Just wondering.....

If a pilot was given a "Block Level Clearance" - say "Cleared to operate Block FL330 and FL370" what would the MCP Altitude window be set at???.

Also - How does a pilot keep reminded of the clearance - Does he write it down, is it stored anywhere?. What are his memory prompts???.

As a controller we often clear a/c to operate block clearances to allow them to "chase" winds as well as alleviating the pilot's requirement to report reaching levels all the time.

I expect it would be set to the higher level.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

DBEnterprises...

In the 757/767, normally this is requested so to fly at the FMC's computed "Optimum" altitude. Factors that go into this computation are weight, winds, OAT, buffet boundary, etc. And most importantly, "cost index" as entered by the pilot into the FMC (numbers equate to high speed, Long range cruise, etc.).

Normally, as optimum increases as fuel burns (100 foot increments), that value is entered into the FMC on the cruise altitude (FL) line and entered into the MCP. The block altitude granted must be written down as there is no way to program the aircraft to fly optimum and/or block altitudes.