Typical Viscount cruise altitudes...

Macs · Post by **Macs** » 06 Nov 2006, 13:17

Hi,
Does anybody know if the Viscount was capable of more than 17,000 ft cruise altitude? I have the latest version of Fraser Mckay's panel and it seems the limit was 17,000' for the Viscount, per the manual. This seems a bit low for an airliner (Connie's used to go above 20K as I understand), specially to go above weather. Was this only for European routes? I am curious as I wanted to try a route in the Central American region over estended areas of water. Thanks,
regads,
Macs

Post by **Garry Russell** » 06 Nov 2006, 13:30

I once saw a Viscount trailing on a flight from Gibraltar to LHR

It was being delivered back to BEA

it was a 28,000 feet the highest I have personally known a Viscount to fly.

I don't think they usually went about 17,18000 in service 24,000 was the usual max in service under normal conditions

The maximum service ceiling was

28,500 for the 700

27,500 for the 700D

27,000 for the 800 and 810

Garry

Post by **Viscount Cornbank** » 06 Nov 2006, 20:23

While Viscounts were certified up to 30000ft, the US FAA certified them to 25000ft. Realistically it would take ages to reach that FL; I once flew on an 810 which took 45 minutes to reach FL140 :shock: The 17000 ft restriction was a result of BAF dumping the fourth compressor to save weight, as well as lowering the maximum cabin differential pressure to 3.5 psi. The 802/806 fleet eventually had all the no4 compressors deleted, and I know of the 810's, BFZL at least did.

Cheers

Fraser

ianhind · Post by **ianhind** » 06 Nov 2006, 21:17

I used to fly regularly from East Midlands to Amsterdam on BMA Viscounts. Can't remember what "cruising altitude" we reached on that journey. But we didn't stay there long before we started to come back down.

A bit different to the BMI Baby 737s these days

kit · Post by **kit** » 06 Nov 2006, 21:57

ianhind wrote:I used to fly regularly from East Midlands to Amsterdam on BMA Viscounts. Can't remember what "cruising altitude" we reached on that journey. But we didn't stay there long before we started to come back down.

A bit different to the BMI Baby 737s these days

Snap, me too!

In the late 70s and early 80s I did that every other week for about 3-4 years. Outbound on Monday morning and back on Friday night, seat 11A, the one by the emergency exit. I was on first name terms with the C&E guy at East Midlands as I had to get my tools carnet checked off every trip.

I agree about the climb-decent with no cruise at all. I think the peak was around 18000 ft as I asked the crew once. A big disaster when they changed to those darned ex-American market F-27s. No leg room, no head room, smaller windows even if they were large compared to a 707 etc. And only two Darts of course......

Macs · Post by **Macs** » 06 Nov 2006, 23:18

Viscount Cornbank wrote:While Viscounts were certified up to 30000ft, the US FAA certified them to 25000ft. Realistically it would take ages to reach that FL; I once flew on an 810 which took 45 minutes to reach FL140 :shock: The 17000 ft restriction was a result of BAF dumping the fourth compressor to save weight, as well as lowering the maximum cabin differential pressure to 3.5 psi. The 802/806 fleet eventually had all the no4 compressors deleted, and I know of the 810's, BFZL at least did.

Cheers

Fraser

Fraser,
Interesting information, thanks!. One more

, is there an update for the air file for the Viscount? Just curious. Thanks,
regards,
Macs