3 ms·
Turbos go a long ways to overcoming the thinner air problem with ICE engines. There is another, arguably bigger reason flying above 10k feet is uncommon—oxygen
by ogre_codes 7y ago
Turbos go a long ways to overcoming the thinner air problem with ICE engines. There is another, arguably bigger reason flying above 10k feet is uncommon—oxygen requirements. Few small planes are pressurized and O2 systems are expensive extras which require additional maintenance and filling. Systems which service passengers as well even more-so.
I flew a Cessna 206U for a few years and it was fine up to 15k feet or more, but I'd almost always skim just below 10,500 so I didn't have to bring along supplemental oxygen. I suspect that's where most of these guys will live, in the 7,000-10,000 foot range. It's much faster then flying near sea level but without the problems with O2.
- mrfusion 7y agoWhy can’t planes just pressurize the outside air for breathing? No need to bring your own o2?
- ohazi 7y agoBig planes do this. In a little plane, that's expensive and heavy and you still need to have a backup system in case it fails.
- ogre_codes 7y agoBecause for a small aircraft, the weight and energy requirements of a compressor is greater than the weight of a small tank full of oxygen.
- phkahler 7y agoAnd the increased structural and sealing requirements of being several PSI above ambient. That will add cost, complexity and weight.
- stefanix 7y agoMost planes use turbine bleed air to pressurize the cabin. This of course implies that the plane has a turbine and a cabin that can hold positive pressure. They are usually $500/h+ planes.