On Jul 28, 2:52 am, Charles Talleyrand wrote:
I just picked up a used U-2. It's quite a hoot to fly, but I'm having
some trouble. Maybe you can help me out.

1) When I go cruising above 60,000 ft I cancel my IFR clearance. Then
I buzz around a bit. But how do I come back down legally? Obviously
I need an IFR clearance to decend back down to FL 590, but Center does
not have to grant my request for a sudden IFR clearance. I have
limited fuel. What should I do?

2) While I'm up above FL 600, I'm self-seperating from the other
traffic. But my friend also has a U-2 and we sometimes frequent the
same airspace. It's nearly impossible to see another plane with a
closure rate of 1,200 mph, and U-2s don't have TCAS. Can I request
flight following at these altitudes, just for the help with
separation?

3) I was right at 59,999 feet and requested a climb of two feet. The
controller denied my request! Can he do that? It really wastes fuel
to fly around so low!

-Much Thanks
-Charles Talleyrand, U2 pilot

1. File a composite flight plan, IFR-VFR-IFR.
2. Request flight following but realize it's up to ATC to give it on a
workload permitting basis.
3. If in contact with ATC, you must follow their instructions. Make
your request but follow any instructions they give you.

At least that's the way I do it