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3 Answers

Can you have multiple Top of Climbs?

Asked by: 1848 views , ,
Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Student Pilot

Hi Guys,

I will do a flight in a couple of days, and I am having a little trouble. I will not be climbing directly to my final Altitude. First I will climb to 4500 ft to avoid entering a TMA. After approx 45 min flying on this altitude I will continue to climb to FL65 for minimum obstruction clearance. The Question I have right now is, if i have to define 2 Top of climbs? 

I hope you guys can help me out with this

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3 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Aug 20, 2019

    I don’t understand. You don’t “have to” define any tops of climbs.

    Defining a TOC is a convenience and a tool, not a requirement. When planning, it helps with determining time and fuel use since climbs require more fuel than cruise. In flight, backing out the calculation based on your performance numbers helps determine where the climb needs to begin to get up there.

    You can certainly calculate TOCs and BODs for as many changes in altitude as you want during the flight, but I am unaware of anything (other than an instructor during training :)) that requires it.

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  2. Russ Roslewski on Aug 20, 2019

    Is this a flight plan requirement in your country? I’m assuming you are not in the U.S. due to the use of the term TMA and FL65, but you didn’t specifically say, and the answer to this type of question may vary depending on local air law.

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  3. joel126 on Aug 20, 2019

    Thanks for your answers this helps me out a lot. I am a student Pilot flying in Portugal. It isn’t a requirement for in your flight plan, I just wasn’t sure if having multiple TOC’s was possible.

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