A common question that many commercial frequent flyers wonder is, “How high do airplanes go?” This is not a bizarre question, and it’s not surprising that many people wonder about this. It is clear that some planes cruise higher than others, though this depends on how far the flight is traveling.
The logistics of flying can be a bit of a mystery to people who are not involved in that world. This is why Sheffield School of Aeronautics is here to give you some insight into how high commercial flights get in the air. Keep reading to learn more about airplanes’ max altitudes as well as the dynamics of cruising altitude.
Sheffield School of Aeronautics is a flight dispatcher school that specializes in teaching aircraft dispatching and offers many online flight dispatcher courses. Have you ever wondered, “How high do airplanes go?” We have put together this guide to inform you about the max altitude for commercial airplanes, and we also discuss why cruising altitude is so important. The next time you take a commercial flight, you might be able to point out the different steps of the ascent, descent, and cruising level.
Max Altitude for Commercial Airplanes
The maximum height that a commercial airplane is allowed to reach when they fly is 42,000 feet, as this is the universally approved maximum altitude. This max altitude for airplanes is known as the “service ceiling.” Most commercial air jets fly at such a high altitude because it is known to optimize efficiency. At higher altitudes, the air is thinner, making it easier for the aircraft to be controlled. Additionally, it is easier to go faster while using less fuel to get the passengers to their destinations in a timely manner. The factor of time is important for all commercial aircraft so as to not have any changes to their schedules.
What Is Cruising Altitude?
A plane’s cruising altitude is typically very clear to passengers when the plane is in the stages of take-off and touch-down. You might notice that the flight attendants typically won’t begin their drink and snack rounds until well after take-off. This is because they are waiting until the pilot has hit their cruising altitude. Once cruising altitude is hit, the pilots may also turn off the fasten seatbelt sign because it is the safest time to move around the cabin.
The cruising altitude of a commercial airplane depends on the size of the airplane but is generally once the plane hits 30,000 to 40,000 feet in the air. Often, short-haul flights will cruise lower than this because, by the time they have ascended, they will need to almost immediately begin their descent.
More About Sheffield School of Aeronautics
Sheffield School of Aeronautics is an experienced flight dispatcher school that is here to make sure that our students receive the best training possible for their careers. We are here to answer your questions, including “How high do airplanes go?” If you are looking for a flight dispatch course, our classrooms and professors are some of the most cutting-edge available. This translates to our airline dispatcher school being ready to ensure that you can accomplish the aeronautics career that you desire. Contact us today to learn more about international flight planning, flight plans for private planes, or becoming an FAA dispatcher.
