Performance

Service Ceiling

Definition

The altitude at which the aircraft can no longer climb at more than 100 feet per minute. At the service ceiling, excess power or thrust is insufficient for meaningful climb performance.

Related Terms

Absolute Ceiling

The maximum altitude at which an aircraft can maintain level flight. At the abso...

Rate of Climb

The vertical speed of an aircraft in feet per minute during climb. Depends on ex...

Density Altitude

Pressure altitude corrected for non-standard temperature. It represents the alti...

Test your knowledge

Think you understand Service Ceiling? Challenge yourself with practice questions covering performance and all other ATPL subjects.

Start a Practice Quiz

Or browse all questions by subject