What's your favorite moment during a flight? Take-off, landing, or the magical view above the clouds? Have you ever wondered what would happen if your plane climbs even higher?
Why Planes Fly High?- Planes fly high primarily for three reasons: 1. Saving money 2. Passenger comfort 3. Safety
Saving Money- Higher altitudes mean faster speeds and less fuel consumption.- Less air density at higher altitudes reduces drag, saving fuel.
Airspeed and Altitude- Airspeed vs. True Airspeed: - At 4,000 feet: 250 knots airspeed - At 38,000 feet: 250 knots airspeed but 450 knots true airspeed- Higher true airspeed reduces fuel consumption.
Passenger Comfort- Commercial jets fly at 35,000-42,000 feet.- Above 35,000 feet, planes avoid most weather turbulence and bad weather, ensuring a smoother flight.
Safety at High Altitudes- At 39,000 feet, engine failures allow more time for pilots to address problems and communicate with controllers.- Planes glide, not drop, allowing for emergency landings.
Why Not Fly Higher?- Engine efficiency drops with altitude due to lower air density, similar to humans needing more oxygen at high altitudes.- Cold temperatures at high altitudes affect engine performance.
The Coffin Corner- Critical Mach Number and the dangers of reaching supersonic speeds.- At the coffin corner, a plane can face both low-speed and high-speed stalls, leading to structural failure.
Handling Stalls and Speed Changes- Low-Speed Stall: Lower the nose, increase thrust slowly.- Supersonic Speed: Gradual application of brakes and adjustment of thrust to avoid shockwaves.
Conclusion- Understanding the balance of high altitudes, speed, and safety.- Pilots constantly ensure a safe flight, often without passengers realizing.