Flying At 26,000 Ft In A DC-7

C

casey jones

Charter Member
I like flying the old Douglas ships transcontenal across the US, last night I was at 26,000 Ft in a DC7...it belonged to Transload Virtual Airlines, I was cruising at 200 mph at 26K near Denver Co, there was alot of ATC going on...I saw a 737 pass below me at 23,000 its vapor trial very long. I landed at hamilton Field California making my approach from the sea...I sure like flying these sleek jobs of yesteryear...I was wondering if the DC7 could fly at 30,000 ft? Or the Constellation?

Cheers

Casey:wiggle:
 
Some could, but were generally operated in the low-to-mid 20's. Engines were optimized (even with turbos) to work in that range and the pressurizations systems (and hulls) were designed for there too- less pressure differential meant a bit lighter structures and lighter pressure loads. Other factors existed (like time to climb).

In the early 50's there wasn't as much need to go higher in the commercial world. The military was different and ran the B-29, B-36 higher but some of that was still "uncharted territory". The paying pax were a bit timid too about 'flying in the stratosphere'.

Rob
 
What Rob said!

I like flying the old propliners myself. Although I tend to like the Boeings (307 Stratoliner & 377 Stratocruiser) better. The Stratoliner I tend to keep under 18,000 and with the Stratocruiser, about 26,000 is as high as I go. The only jet liner I fly is the De Havilland Comet and above 30,000, it's speed starts dropping off so that's my top altitude with it.

That being said, I do have a DC-6B, DC-7B and a C-121 Super Connie in the hanger that I like flying as well. One thing about the propliners is you learn the merits of step climbing.
 
Hi Casey,

I wouldn't recommend flying the TVA DC7 Over 260 ft. I usually fly the Dc7 around 170 and 230ft. About the only time I go over the the alt threshold is if i'm evading and manuvering mountains.
 
Trans_1007 said:
Hi Casey,

I wouldn't recommend flying the TVA DC7 Over 260 ft. I usually fly the Dc7 around 170 and 230ft. About the only time I go over the the alt threshold is if i'm evading and manuvering mountains.
Click to expand...
Why are you flying so low? What are you carrying? Do I have to die if you tell me? :engel016:
 
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