About Pivotal Altitude Calculator (Formula)
The Pivotal Altitude (PA) is a concept used in aviation, particularly for performing turns around a fixed point, often referred to as “pivotal turns.” The pivotal altitude is the altitude at which an aircraft must fly to complete a turn around a fixed point with a constant radius.
The formula for calculating the pivotal altitude is as follows:
PA = (GS^2) / 15
Where:
- PA represents the Pivotal Altitude in feet (ft).
- GS stands for Ground Speed, which is the speed of the aircraft relative to the ground, typically measured in miles per hour (MPH).
In this formula, you square the ground speed (GS), and then divide the result by 15 to determine the pivotal altitude in feet. This formula assumes that the turn is made with a standard rate of turn, which is usually 3 degrees per second.
Pivotal altitude is a crucial calculation for pilots, as it helps ensure that they maintain a constant radius while turning around a fixed point, such as during maneuvers like a “pylon turn” or when performing aerial photography.