3.1 Optimise altitudes

Compare and select altitudes

Android Apple Web

Compare the estimated time and fuel at available cruising altitudes for a flight-plan stage, then apply the preferred altitude.

Android

1. Open an active flight plan that has an aircraft selected.
2. Select Planning > Optimise Altitudes.
3. In each stage section, compare the altitude, time, fuel and cost estimates.
4. Select an altitude row to apply that altitude to the stage.

The best time, fuel and cost values are shown in bold. Altitudes that follow the hemispherical cruising-level rules are highlighted in green.

The optimiser compares 1,000 ft increments up to the aircraft's configured service ceiling, or 18,000 ft when no service ceiling is set. For a short stage, it stops where the climb and descent profiles would meet.

Apple

1. Open Optimise Altitudes.
2. Review the time interval and fuel used at each 1,000 ft increment up to the aircraft's configured service ceiling.
3. Select a row to apply its altitude to the stage.
4. For a multi-stage plan, scroll down to review the remaining stages.

The appropriate hemispherical altitudes are highlighted in green. If they do not match the intended flight rules, check the flight rules selected for the plan.

The optimiser stops at the highest practical altitude. On a short flight, it does not show altitudes above the point where top of climb would meet top of descent.

Web

1. Open the plan and select the required Stage.
2. Open Optimise Altitudes.
3. Select Refresh if the options need updating.
4. Compare Alt, Temp, Time (mins), Fuel, Cost ($) and Wind.
5. Use Tolerance to highlight results close to the best time, fuel burn or fuel cost.
6. Select an altitude row and confirm that the stage is updated.

WARNING

Altitude comparisons require a usable route and aircraft performance data for the selected stage.