Aero Fact: What Is Service Ceiling?
The altitude at which the rate of climb drops to a specified minimum.
By AircoreDynamics •
•
1 min read
Definition: Maximum altitude at which rate of climb does not fall below a specified minimum (e.g., 100 ft/min).
Physics insight: As excess power (available−required) shrinks, climb rate drops; lower density reduces both thrust and lift performance.
Example: At ISA +10°C, density altitude rises, cutting service ceiling by hundreds of meters vs nominal.
RC = (P_avail - P_req)/W
Rules of thumb: Include temperature and wind factors; leave safety margins in single-engine operations.
Common pitfalls: Mixing up IAS/TAS, mountain wave effects, and wind drift.
References: FAA Pilots Handbook; Raymer