Airspeed And Distance?

Question

About how fast does the normal passenger
jet fly? If it takes the plane 2 hours from one
point to another, how long would it take the
jet to fly over a city 50 miles away from the
airport?

Answer 1

Of course it depends on the airplane type in question, but if you figure normal cruising speed is aproximately 450 knots, which comes out to be about 510mph. Keep in mind this is in still air, if it has any tail wind or head wind that would of course change.

As far as how long it would take to make it to that city 50 miles from the airport, it depends on the initial routing and so on, but roughtly 8-10 minutes after takeoff.

Answer 2

There are many variables in your question. Firstly a jet plane cruises at about 500kts or or 560mph indicated airspeed. This speed is the same as ground speed on the road if the plane flies very low. As it flies at a higher height, lower air density will mean a higher ground speed to indicate a constant speed of 500kts.So there is difference in speed depending on the height flown.

Next is the wind factor. Tailwind will give higher ground speed while headwind will slow the ground peed, indicated speed being constant.

Next is the thrust or power available against the plane weight. A higher power to weight ratio plane will achieve its cruise speed faster, so reduce time.

So just for your example, when the plane takes off and climb to about 10,000feet, it will be time to descend for landing at 50 miles away. Takes about 10mins.

Answer 3

many factors determine how fast you arrive at your destination besides cruising speed. For example: there is a speed limit below 10,000 feet of 250knts, so shorter flights have slower average speeds. Also, air traffic control may force a jet to a longer route if they are flying in congested airspace. Typically expect most commercial jets to average around 550mph.