Ceiling

Ceiling refers to the height of the lowest layer of clouds or similar material obscuring the view that is reported as “broken,” “overcast,” or “obscuration,” and not classified as “thin” or “partial.” This altitude is determined by various factors, including the atmospheric conditions, cloud cover, and geographical location.

In aviation, the term “ceiling” also refers to the maximum altitude at which an aircraft can maintain level flight with a specified rate of climb. The altitude is affected by factors such as the type of aircraft, engine power, weight, temperature, humidity, and air pressure. The ceiling is usually expressed in terms of feet above mean sea level (MSL), and it is a critical performance parameter for aircraft.

For commercial airliners, the aircraft ceiling typically ranges from 30,000 to 40,000 feet MSL, while military aircraft such as fighter jets and reconnaissance planes can fly at higher altitudes of up to 50,000 or 60,000 feet MSL. The ceiling influences an aircraft’s range, endurance, and mission capability.

In summary, the ceiling is the altitude of the lowest layer of clouds or blocking materials, and in aviation, it is the maximum altitude that an aircraft can maintain level flight with a specified rate of climb.