Also, this data is preliminary, raw data taken directly from sensors on the airplane. Slight variations due to airspeed, angle of attack, and other factors may occur. General Features to Notice in Graphs Below is a brief description of each of the graphs along with some special notes about analyzing each graph. Use these comments as background for preparing your lesson. A sample worksheet based upon the data is also attached.
Students can learn a lot by comparing graphs from different flights.
Universal Time is 7 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. This graph shows the airplane taking of, climbing to one or two initial cruising altitudes, and eventually reaching a cruising altitude of 41000 feet. The KAO typically holds at about 37000 feet to burn off enough fuel so that it can more efficiently reach its maximum cruising altitude of 41000 feet. They are now identical. Note that outside pressure drops from around 1.0 atm at sea level down to 0.24 atm at 41000 feet.