Why do planes fly between 35000 and 42000 feet?

The “sweet spot” of flying is regarded as between 35,000 and 42,000 feet – too high and the oxygen becomes too sparse to fuel the engines, too low and the air resistance is greater. This optimum height is linked to the usual weight of a commercial jet – that is, heavier planes fly lower, and lighter higher.

Why do most planes fly at 30000 feet?

A jet engine operates more efficiently at higher altitude where the air is much thinner, allowing an aircraft to travel faster whilst at the same time, burning less fuel. Flying above 30,000ft also has the benefit of allowing the aeroplane to fly above most weather systems making it more comfortable for the passengers.

How high can helicopters fly up Everest?

The official altitude record for a helicopter flight is 12,954 m (42,500 ft) set by Fred North in 2002 however, most helicopter manufacturers limit their aircraft to around 20,000 – 25,000 ft for normal operation. The highest landing was on Mount Everest at 8,848 m (29,030 ft) in 2005.

Why do airplanes fly at the highest altitude?

The biggest reason for this altitude lies with fuel efficiency. The thin air creates less drag on the aircraft, which means the plane can use less fuel in order to maintain speed. Less wind resistance, more power, less effort, so to speak. Spending less on fuel is also great for airlines, for obvious reasons.

What is the average altitude of a commercial airplane?

According to USA Today, the common cruising altitude for most commercial airplanes is between 33,000 and 42,000 feet, or between about six and nearly eight miles above sea level. Typically, aircraft fly around 35,000 or 36,000 feet in the air. To put that in perspective, the peak of Mount Everest measures at 29,029 feet.

Why do airplanes fly at 36000 feet?

Since 36,000 feet is a further 7000 feet higher than the peak of Mount Everest, the air up there is pretty thin. That allows the aircraft to travel faster while using less fuel. Flying at this height also lessens the chance of a plane coming into contact with something else. Birds and drones mainly, but also other aircraft.

How high can a plane fly?

Most passenger planes have a maximum service ceiling of about 39,000 to 40,000 feet, although some can go to 41,000 feet. Small business jets, such as that Cessna 560XL above (far right example, at 43,000 feet), can go higher than commercial planes because they’re lighter (less people and “stuff” inside) but still have comparatively larger engines.