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 FAA's high-altitude endorsement is narrowly defined, often exempting pilots of flight-level-capable, unpressurized aircraft from crucial training despite the inherent and extreme hazards above 18,000 feet.
Flying in the flight levels presents unique risks including critical physiological challenges like hypoxia with rapidly decreasing Time of Useful Consciousness, demanding engine temperature management due to thinner air, and intensified weather hazards such as severe icing and turbulence.
Pilots operating at high altitudes should proactively seek training in high-altitude physiology (e.g., altitude chamber experience) and emergency descent procedures, regardless of regulatory requirements, to safely manage these risks and recognize personal hypoxia symptoms.

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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?