On a good day, it can be life in the fast lane
Much of your flying as a student pilot is close to the ground—after all, that’s where they seem to build all the runways. Once you start going places, however, you can consider flying higher. Most piston-powered airplanes are more efficient at 7,500 or 8,500 feet; indicated airspeed will drop but true airspeed increases, and in the thinner air you’ll be burning less fuel. On a clear day you’ll see much farther, simplifying navigation—and you should be above the bumpy thermals produced by the day’s heating. Tailwinds normally increase with altitude, so you’ll get where you’re going faster (a strong headwind could dictate a lower altitude, however).
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Mike Collins
Technical Editor
Mike Collins, AOPA technical editor and director of business development, died at age 59 on February 25, 2021. He was an integral part of the AOPA Media team for nearly 30 years, and held many key editorial roles at AOPA Pilot, Flight Training, and AOPA Online. He was a gifted writer, editor, photographer, audio storyteller, and videographer, and was an instrument-rated pilot and drone pilot.
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