elevation of aircraft?
why do pilots fly at 30,000 feet? if im taking a flight from columbus to st.louis,there is nothing above 1,000feet between here and there.no need to be at 30,000 feet
Aircraft - 10 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Besides there being storms and nasty winds there is other aircraft.
2 :
For one thing, it reduces the risk of impacting anything living, including birds and other avian animals. In a post-September 11th world and even in a pre-September 11th world, it also reduces the risk of impacting a building or other aircraft. It also, in the event of an emergency gives pilots a longer time to react and compensate. Not to mention: It's really nice up there, from what I've heard.
3 :
planes use less fuel at higher altitude and safety considerations as well
4 :
A couple of reasons simply put Firstly jet engines are more efficient at altitude, therefore less fuel is used, and secondly due to the thinner air up there the actual speed across the ground is significantly faster than what the aircraft is actually sensing, therefore you get there quicker. Also as said, it tends to be less turbulent, however high level winds can be very strong and can hinder of help you.
5 :
i want to fly a SR-71 at full throttle at 2,000ft over my house
6 :
Better fuel economy
7 :
And even higher. All things considered, it's more efficient for a jet aircraft to fly at a higher altitude. It's more efficient for a piston engined aircraft to fly at a lower altitude.
8 :
Quite simply, aircraft operate more efficiently at altitude. The ride is much smoother at altitude as well. Flying that route at 1,000 feet would be an extremely rough ride and would burn 2 - 3 times as much fuel than at 30,000 feet. Also, at 30,000 feet, if something were to go seriously wrong the typical airliner could glide without power for 60 to 100 miles -- more than far enough to make a safe power-off landing. At 1,000 feet, the glide would be less than 3 miles; you'd have to land on a highway or worse, in a forest. Also, at 1,000 feet the chance of hitting a bird are dramatically higher than at altitude. Impact with a bird at cruise speed can be catastrophic. Lastly, below 10,000 feet, aircraft are limited to 250 knots. An airliner can't fly efficiently at that speed. Typical crusie speed is much closer to 400 knots, or higher. So, as you can see, there are many reasons for flying at 30,000 feet -- or higher.
9 :
Because you are tword the top of the atmosphere so you are clear of any possible weather and also because you are clear of any traffic taking off or landing under you or anyone flying below you (cessna's etc.)
10 :
The aircraft is more efficient at higher altitudes so it burns less fuel, as well as the air seems to be less turbulent at the higher altitudes making your trip more enjoyable.
