Service Ceiling (Noun)
Meaning
Altitude above which a plane cannot climb faster than a given rate.
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The service ceiling of the aircraft was 40,000 feet, above which it could no longer maintain a steady rate of climb.
- Pilots must be aware of the service ceiling of their aircraft to avoid stalling or losing control at high altitudes.
- The service ceiling of the new airliner was significantly higher than its predecessor, allowing it to fly more efficiently at cruising altitude.
- At the service ceiling, the plane's rate of climb slows to a crawl, making it difficult to gain any more altitude.
- The service ceiling is an important consideration for pilots planning to fly in mountainous regions, where the air is thinner and aircraft performance is reduced.