Originally Posted by
markoh
Great site! Much better than the a.net airliner info pages.
A few add'l service ceilings from that site:
767 - 39,000
757 - 42,030
747 - doesn't say
737-900 - 41,010 (I know the 733 & 735 that UAL flies don't go this high)
A320 - 39,000
I've also heard that at least one pilot must have an O2 mask at all times when a plane is at or above 40,000 feet, so I'm sure that plays a role in the decision about whether not to climb that high.
A correction to your info.
Straight out of my Flight Manual the 767's max operating altitude is 43,100 ft. The 757 is correct at 42,000.
The UAL 737's are limited to 37,000.
O2 usage is mandatory for one pilot at the controls
above FL410 and anytime above FL250 if one pilot leaves the seat (for a bathroom break most common reason)
DC