Get the Most From Turbocharging

Richard L. Collins

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

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Middle altitudes for unpressurized general aviation aircraft are generally defined as 10,000-18,000 feet, necessitating supplemental oxygen due to the rapid decrease in time of useful consciousness above FL180.
The main advantage of turbocharging in these altitudes is increased comfort from accessing smoother air above turbulence, icing, or clouds, rather than a consistent significant boost in average groundspeed, though it allows exploiting favorable tailwinds.
Operating in middle altitudes requires a deeper understanding of complex weather patterns, including wind stratification and jet streaks, and careful planning for descents in unpressurized aircraft to manage comfort and pressure changes.
This airspace typically has less traffic, which can simplify air traffic control interactions and allow for more direct flight routes.

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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.