SERVICE CEILINGS

Question 1

All engine service ceiling & absolute ceilings

Answer 1

• The all-engine service ceiling of multiengine airplanes is the highest altitude at which the airplane can
  maintain a steady rate of climb of 100 fpm with both engines operating
• The airplane has reached its
  absolute ceiling when climb is no longer possible.

Question 2

Single engine service & absolute ceiling

Answer 2

• The single-engine service ceiling is reached when the multiengine airplane can no longer maintain a 50 fpm rate of climb with OEI
• its single-engine absolute ceiling when climb is no longer possible.

Question 3

What is drift down?

Answer 3

• drift down occurs when the aircraft cannot maintain a climb and begins to descend to an altitude where we can initiate a climb again or maintain level flight