Why do planes fly at a high altitude?

Question

Flying distances increase as we go further higher into the sky as Length of an arc increases if the radius increases i.e the distance from the centre of the earth. . If a plane flies at a height of say 10000 feet as say 30000 feet , the distance it has to fly between any two places on the earth will be less . Still planes choose to fly at 30000 feet or so. I am told it is because of fuel economy . Is it so can some one provide more details .

Answer 1

Jet engines use significantly less fuel at higher altitudes. The air is less dense up there so the engine will burn less fuel. (Not as much air going through the engine so you don't need as much fuel--also less dense air means less drag). Fuel burn at low altitudes and high power settings on jet engines, even the new generation of fuel efficient engines, is mind boggling. Airline crews begin the climb to get to the most optimum altitude for their weight as soon as ATC will let them.

Answer 2

the upward thrust in the Earth's circumference at 36,000 ft above sea point is barely approximately 0.08%, so it is not significant for air commute. There are 2 significant motives for flying at intense altitude. the 1st reason is that it particularly is extra fee-effective. the better you fly, the thinner the air will become, and so the fewer air resistance which you will desire to triumph over to fly. This in turn capacity much less thrust required, and to that end much less gasoline burned. the intense is once you go away the ambience fullyyt, at which factor there is not any air resistance and you do no longer decide on any thrust to proceed shifting. At intense altitudes, you may fly speedier on the same time as burning much less gasoline than at low altitudes. the 2d key reason is that flying intense keeps you above most of the climate, which reduces turbulence and diminishes the prospect which you will would desire to detour or put off a flight. There are another minor motives. another benefit to flying intense, as an occasion, is that there is not any longer something on the floor you may hit. At 36,000 ft, you're above each thing, even Mount Everest. this capacity you may plan and fly routes without annoying approximately terrain.

Answer 3

In addition to air being thinner, gravity is less at high altitudes, so a plane needs less energy to remain up in the sky than if it gets closer to the ground.

Answer 4

There is less air resistance higher up, making it more fuel efficient, also a higher speed can be achieved higher up with the same amount of thrust used. Also this creates less noise pollution for those at ground level

Answer 5

Thinner air at higher altitudes provides less friction, higher speeds and ultimately better fuel economy.

Answer 6

Air is thinner and provides less resistance to the plane's flight. Also it allows them to get above storms and turbulence.