TAS question

[jmccaul]

Assuming if i'm crusing at 25k with 220 ias and somewhere round 300 tas this means i will get to my target quicker than crusing at 220 ias at sea level is there an optimum altitude i should climb to to get to a target quicker(and save fuel?) i.e. playing off the time to climb to alt against the speed advantage when i get there.

[214CaveJ]

actually it's ground speed that determines how long it will take to get to where you're going.  GS is TAS adjusted to account for wind conditions.
TAS 300, headwind of 20, GS = 280
TAS 300, tailwing of 20, GS = 320
Since winds dinnae appear to be modeled, your TAS and your GS are the same.

[-blk--]

  Correct Mr. CaveJ is.  I personally think Winds Aloft would be sweet, especially for scenarios with larger arenas...

  As to an "optimum" altitude...  Since I basically only fly The Stang, I usually take off from a rear base, and climb up to 15,000...  Then I cruise climb up to at least 25,000.  I'll usually go on up to 30,000, especially if I plan on going a long way.  Even with the external tanks, I can motor around at 325+ TAS at 45 InHg...  As to short hops over the mountains, I'll still get up to 20-25K every time.  Dunno about short hops between fields not separated by mountains, never done that.

blk  (AT)