Into The Flight Levels

It seems to be an arbitrary cutoff, 18,000 feet. However that height was originally chosen, its the altitude that defines, at least in U.S. airspace, what we call the flight levels. There are a number of rules that apply to all airplanes flying at and above FL180 but less obvious are some of the real-world considerations protecting you and your passengers as you climb above 18,000 feet-considerations that relate to very real hazards.

Tom Turner

Sunday, October 22, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The current high-altitude endorsement (FAR 61.31(g)) is flawed, as it's only required for specific pressurized aircraft certificated above 25,000 feet, leaving many pilots flying other flight-level-capable, unpressurized aircraft without mandatory specialized training for inherent high-altitude hazards.
Flying in the flight levels presents unique and extreme risks, including severe physiological challenges like hypoxia (requiring strict oxygen management and awareness of Time of Useful Consciousness), specific engine management difficulties due to thinner air, and distinct manifestations of weather hazards such as year-long icing and severe turbulence.
Regardless of regulatory endorsement requirements, pilots operating in the flight levels are strongly advised to proactively seek training in high-altitude physiology (e.g., hypoxia recognition via altitude chamber experience), advanced weather avoidance, and emergency descent procedures to ensure safety for themselves and their passengers.

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It seems to be an arbitrary cutoff, 18,000 feet. However that height was originally chosen, it’s the altitude that defines, at least in U.S. airspace, what we call the flight levels. There are a number of rules that apply to all airplanes flying at and above FL180 but less obvious are some of the real-world considerations protecting you and your passengers as you climb above 18,000 feet—considerations that relate to very real hazards.

In fact, you really should consider many of these hazards when flying at any altitude where supplemental oxygen is required. Yet for a growing number of general aviation pilots who fly in the flight levels, there are no training or experience requirements. What do you really need to know, when you’re in the flight levels?