Question

The service ceiling of transport aircraft is the altitude

• A. that is half way between sea-level and absolute ceiling
• B. at which it can cruise with one engine operational
• C. at which its rate of climb is maximum
• D. at which its rate of climb is 0.508 m/s

Hint:

Absolute ceiling is where rate of climb is zero, service ceiling is practical operational limit.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In aerospace engineering, the service ceiling of an aircraft is defined as the altitude above which the aircraft's rate of climb becomes minimal and specified by international standards. Specifically, for transport aircraft, this is the point where the aircraft's rate of climb reduces to 0.508 m/s (or 100 feet per minute). This specific rate of climb is considered a threshold because beyond this point, additional altitude gains become impractical for regular operation.

Therefore, the correct and precise interpretation of the service ceiling is the altitude at which the aircraft's rate of climb reduces to 0.508 m/s. This allows the aircraft to sustain flight with substantial enough climb capability without overstraining or requiring additional power, hence maintaining efficient and safe operation. This definition avoids confusion with other aviation terms related to altitude capabilities, such as absolute ceiling or cruising capabilities with one engine operational.