Pivotal Altitude

[Skillet]

Is there a quick way to figure what the pivotal altitude will be for a specific groundspeed?

edit: I accidentally put this here, it was meant for the CFI section.

[N826AW]

IDK about GS but do you know the formula for TAS?

[Skillet]

Originally Posted by HP N826AW

IDK about GS but do you know the formula for TAS?

Not sure about TAS but GS is knots squared divided by 11.35. I was just asking if there is an easier way to figure it out.

[Clocks]

There's no requirement to figure it out in flight. If you're thinking about this for a checkride just calculate it before the oral based on the current winds aloft.

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Skillet

edit: I accidentally put this here, it was meant for the CFI section.

Fixed it.

[MidlifeFlyer]

Originally Posted by HP N826AW

IDK about GS but do you know the formula for TAS?

Do you? Since pivotal altitude is based on GS, your formula must include a conversion from TAS to GS, right?

[mojo6911]

You can make a chart, using 5 knot increments. Should take less than a minute in Excel.

[bdhill1979]

Originally Posted by mojo6911

You can make a chart, using 5 knot increments. Should take less than a minute in Excel.

I did that and put it in my little maneuvers book, actually makes it easier for students to grasp the concept.

[cfii2007]

There is the computational method, which applies to either KTS or MPH.

Or you can just pick a starting altitude, say 1000' and start from there. Based on the wind speed (which affects your groundspeed) PA will vary depending on your location in the manuever.

[Skillet]

Originally Posted by SteveC

Fixed it.

Thanks...

Originally Posted by mojo6911

You can make a chart, using 5 knot increments. Should take less than a minute in Excel.

This is what I'll do it's a real good idea and yes it is for the commercial checkride. Thanks for all the replies everyone!!

Mark

[MikeOH58]

In Knots it's GS^2 / 11.3
MPH GS^2/15

ex 110 knots would be 1070