Question

The service ceiling of an airplane is the altitude

• A. at which maximum rate of climb is 100 m/min
• B. beyond which theoretically the airplane cannot sustain level flight
• C. at which maximum power is required for flight
• D. at which maximum rate of climb is 100 ft/min

Hint:

The service ceiling is the altitude beyond which the aircraft cannot sustain level flight due to insufficient engine power and lift.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Define Service Ceiling.
The service ceiling of an airplane refers to the altitude at which the aircraft can no longer maintain a climb. This is the point where the airplane’s rate of climb becomes zero or where the available power is no longer sufficient to maintain level flight. Hence, option (B) is correct. Step 2: Explanation of Other Options.
- Option (A) refers to a specific rate of climb and is not the definition of service ceiling.
- Option (C) talks about power requirements but does not accurately describe the service ceiling.
- Option (D) specifies a rate of climb in feet per minute, but the service ceiling is related to the point where level flight cannot be sustained, not a specific rate of climb.