High Altitude Performance?

[ASEShaun]

Hi, tossing around the idea of using a CT at Aspen Colorado,

airport elevation 8,000

typical altitude for maneuvers 10,000

minimum altitude for crossing the Rockies 13,000

Would the aircraft handle this? Any notable difference between the various CT models for this? What kind of climb rate could I expect between 8-10? POH shows about 400 fpm.

A manual I found shows a service ceiling of 12,150 DA and a max operating altitude of 13,780.

[Ed Cesnalis]

I was based in Mammoth Lakes with a CTSW since 2006.  7,100' airfield and 13,500' common cruising altitudes.  No problem.  WOT except in descents.

[GrassStripFlyBoy]

Hey Ed, I figured you'd be all over this reply - I'm dreaming of flying out west and experiencing those mountains.  I noticed your post count is at 4,999 mark - how about signifying that milestone with one of your lovely scenic shots, and thanks for being such a prolific contributor to this group over the years.

As far as what I can offer on high altitude performance, when crossing Lake MI I'll run at the 9.5k mark, and I've been impressed with rate of climb up to that point - granted I was solo.  Loading is a big factor in how the CT performs in every aspect.

[Jim Ragain]

I routinely fly my 2011 CTLS between 8000 and 11000 and have very good climb performance. I have limited experience at 13000+, but I recently took it to 14500 and still had good climb performance. I almost always fly solo. 

[Roger Lee]

Your high altitude performance has a lot to do with prop pitch since we don't all have fuel injection which would help lean. That said if you are going to live or have an extended stay at high elevations and altitudes then raise the needle clip one notch in the carb. This isn't a cure all, but will help.

[coppercity]

We have been flying CT's in the high desert for many years.  With the correct prop pitch they perform pretty well at higher DA's.  We fly daily from a 5000' elevation airport with high summer temps that has us taking off with DA's of 9000ft and operate training students at DA's over 13000.  Obviously you notice the decreased climb performance compared to winter months but certainly outperforms most GA trainers out there.