Get the Most From Turbocharging

Richard L. Collins

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

Verified

Key Takeaways:

For most unpressurized general aviation pilots, "middle altitudes" range from 10,000 to 18,000 feet, a zone requiring careful oxygen consideration due to decreasing time of useful consciousness at higher levels.
Turbocharging is increasingly popular, primarily providing the advantage of flying in smoother air above turbulence, especially over mountains, enhancing comfort rather than significantly increasing average groundspeed.
Operating in these middle altitudes demands a deeper understanding of weather cross-sections, careful management of descents, and awareness of increased engine wear, with average speed benefits often offset by climb time and headwinds.

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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.