Get the Most From Turbocharging

Richard L. Collins

Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 08:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The "middle altitudes" for general aviation are broadly defined as FL100 to FL180, an airspace where supplemental oxygen becomes physiologically critical, especially above 18,000 feet.
While turbocharging is popular and allows flight into these altitudes, its primary benefit is often improved comfort by flying above turbulence and weather, rather than a significant increase in average groundspeed.
Operating in the middle altitudes demands a thorough understanding of complex weather phenomena, including wind stratification, jet streaks, and potential for icing, along with careful planning for descents, particularly for unpressurized aircraft.

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What, you may ask, is a middle altitude? A wiseacre might say that it is the airspace between low and high altitudes and he would be right.

The highest level for the middle might be Flight Level 250. The aircraft certification standards change above that altitude. Or it might be Flight Level 230 where air traffic control airspace sectors generally change from low to high. Or it might be Flight Level 180 where the airspace rules change and Victor airways become jet routes.