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CAT-11 cruise altitude

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 12:24 pm
by Casimir
This is probably obvious, but just to be sure I'm requesting a clarification - when we fly the CAT-11, is our cruise altitude after leaving Bravo airspace our own choice (within VFR altitude requirements and staying clear of LAX Bravo of course), or are we required to fly at 7500?

I had originally planned to fly it at 5500, but decided instead based upon the example narrative to fly it at 7500 on my first attempt. I ended up failing because I was so focused on the 100/80 Bravo airspace over San Pedro that I completely forgot about the 100/70 Bravo section over Huntington Pier while climbing to 7500. Had I flown my originally planned altitude I'd have missed that (which is one reason I wasn't paying enough attention to it - 100% my own fault).

Re: CAT-11 cruise altitude

Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2018 2:56 pm
by Scott Medeiros
Outside of VFR routes and ATC assigned altitudes, VFR altitude is at your discretion. I don't believe any of the CAT ratings require you to fly a specific altitude, besides the charted VFR route altitudes. Once clear of the Bravo, you are to remain clear unless given another Bravo clearance. As you experienced, a direct routing at 7500' will take you into that Huntington Beach shelf. Another option could be navigating to remain in the bravo and exit near SNA.

I suspect the 7500' cruise altitude was not selected arbitrarily ;) :twisted: .

Re: CAT-11 cruise altitude

Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2018 9:01 am
by Casimir
Okay, thanks Scott. That's what I suspected but I wanted to make sure.
Scott Medeiros wrote:I suspect the 7500' cruise altitude was not selected arbitrarily ;) :twisted: .
And yes... I have the sneaking suspicion that you are 100% correct there. It got me, for sure. ;)