A service ceiling isn't "hard".Originally posted by dgaad
Ceiling ratings are harder than you realize.
For one thing it is a pressure altitude...not an absolute altitude.
For another thing, a service ceiling represents that altitude where the maximum rate of climb is down to 100 FPM.
Temperature and aircraft weight can greatly vary these numbers...making them indeed "soft".
Hence I've had civilian aircraft up over their "service ceilings" and know of other pilots who have too. You simply need the right conditions...and some patience.
But the thought of doing anything dramatic in such a configuration (high AOA, and low speed) is a bit frightening.
Worr, out