What is the highest altitude that planes fly?

Question: What is the highest altitude an airplane can fly? Answer: The highest commercial airliner altitude was 60,000 feet by Concorde. The highest military air-breathing engine airplane was the SR-71 — about 90,000 feet. The highest airliner flying today reaches 45,000 feet.

What happens when a plane flies too high?

When the plane gets too high, there is insufficient oxygen to fuel the engines. “The air is less dense at altitude, so the engine can suck in less and less air per second as it goes higher and at some point the engine can no longer develop sufficient power to climb.” …

At what altitude do planes stop flying?

While most commercial airplanes fly at 30,000 to 36,000 feet, their respective certified maximum altitude is typically slighter higher. Most commercial airplanes have a certified maximum altitude of about 40,000 to 45,000 feet.

Is it better to fly at high altitude or low altitude?

Respecting the weather, the impact on fuel consumption, and the effect of drag are all part of best operating an aircraft either at high altitudes or closer to the ground. Generally speaking, flying at higher altitudes means higher airspeed because of less drag.

What are the dangers of traveling to high altitude?

Travel to High Altitudes. The low oxygen levels found at high altitudes can cause problems for travelers who are going to destinations higher than 8,000 feet above sea level.

What is the maximum altitude you can fly without oxygen?

We’re aware of the FAA regulations requiring supplemental oxygen when flying above 12,500 feet for more than 30 minutes or any time above 14,000 feet — and so we make sure we stay below those altitudes.

Do you need high-altitude training for night flying?

It behooves any pilot who will be flying above 10,000 feet to seek out additional high-altitude training. For night flying, you’ll want to cut that number to 6,000 feet, since diminished oxygen particularly affects vision.