What aircraft fly "on top" over Phoenix?

Question

7:35 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 I watched an aircraft move from east to west directly over Phoenix, Arizona. It took about 10 or 15 minutes to cross the whole way and was so high I couldn't make out any configuration, only that it left a single contrail. A jetliner passing the other way (non stop) left a dual trail and was clearly visible in detail at about 30,000 feet. I can only guess but I'd say the westbound craft must have been over 60,000 feet, probably more. Any ideas where I might find out more? I'm guessing it was military or research, spectacularly high...

Answer 1

Single contrail would mean single engine jet.  It could be military such as an F-16 or could even be a new very light jet like a Diamond or Eclipse undergoing flight testing.  However,  if the aircraft was at FL600, which is rare, a twin engine jet with the powerplants mounted closely together such as on the tail, would probably appear to be one contrail.

Answer 2

Nothing really interesting.  It was a F2TH/Q (Dassault Falcon 2000), FL430, HOU..SMO, just about ready to begin descent.  Passed nine miles south of PXR at 1424 UTC (0724 MST).

Guess you must have missed the LJ45 eastbound in almost the same time/same spot just about to level at FL470, PSP..NEW.  Maybe it was not contrailing.

One other quick addition, I'm not sure what air carrier you were seeing.  The only thing obvious at that time is  B752-300 LAX.. IAH at FL330, but he's about 20 south of the Falcon.