At what altitude does the service ceiling typically occur?

The service ceiling for the King Air 350 is typically around 25,000 feet. The service ceiling is defined as the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain a specified rate of climb, usually 100 feet per minute.

At this altitude, the performance capabilities of the aircraft diminish, and it reaches a limit where it can no longer climb effectively due to the decreasing air density and engine performance. For the King Air 350, this is significant because it is a twin turboprop aircraft designed for efficient flight at altitudes where jet aircraft may not operate effectively.

Understanding service ceiling is important for pilots in planning flights, ensuring that they can operate safely within the limits of the aircraft, particularly when considering environmental factors such as temperature and pressure, which can also affect performance at high altitudes.