Do passenger aeroplanes have a speed limit?

Answer 1

There are maximum speeds that apply at low altitude in controlled area, like around airport for approach and take off.

But mostly, in cruise, the speed limit is essentially economical. Fly faster and you'll use more fuel, and by doing so, will not be able to go as far. And then there are physical limitations: there comes a point where the thrust of the engines cannot accelerate the airplane further, as trust reduces as speed increase, and drag increase as (the square of) the speed increase... Less thrust more drag, that means there is a maximum speed. And finally, the airframe is designed for a maximum speed tolerance, usually this is close to the speed of sound as getting close to that speed will induce phenomenon like buffet and vibrations. Airframe are not over designed for such strain to conserve weight.

Answer 2

I was a passenger in a jet flying from Florida to London and our ground speed was around 715mph but airspeed was only 510mph (in the jet stream) so plane was flying within design parameters but exceeding speed limit :o)
We did have to circle Heathrow airport for almost 2 hrs as we were so early

Answer 3

Title 14: Aeronautics and Space
PART 91—GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES
§ 91.117 Aircraft speed.


(a) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, no person may operate an aircraft below 10,000 feet MSL at an indicated airspeed of more than 250 knots (288 m.p.h.).

(b) Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500 feet above the surface within 4 nautical miles of the primary airport of a Class C or Class D airspace area at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph.). This paragraph (b) does not apply to any operations within a Class B airspace area. Such operations shall comply with paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) No person may operate an aircraft in the airspace underlying a Class B airspace area designated for an airport or in a VFR corridor designated through such a Class B airspace area, at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph).

(d) If the minimum safe airspeed for any particular operation is greater than the maximum speed prescribed in this section, the aircraft may be operated at that minimum speed.

§ 91.817 Civil aircraft sonic boom.

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft in the United States at a true flight Mach number greater than 1 except in compliance with conditions and limitations in an authorization to exceed Mach 1 issued to the operator under appendix B of this part.

(b) In addition, no person may operate a civil aircraft for which the maximum operating limit speed MM0exceeds a Mach number of 1, to or from an airport in the United States, unless—

(1) Information available to the flight crew includes flight limitations that ensure that flights entering or leaving the United States will not cause a sonic boom to reach the surface within the United States; and

(2) The operator complies with the flight limitations prescribed in paragraph (b)(1) of this section or complies with conditions and limitations in an authorization to exceed Mach 1 issued under appendix B of this part.

Answer 4

Good Question....

It depends on where they are. There are certain limits on airspeed (for instance) in what is called 'Class B' airspace - these are larger airports, like Atlanta, Chicago, etc. I believe the limit is 200 knots (about 230 mph).
And unless I am badly mistaken, I think that's the only time there is a 'speed' limit so to speak, for an airplane.
Hope that helps.

Answer 5

In addition, passenger aircraft cannot fly over land at supersonic speeds, and flying at transonic speeds produces significant drag. Although aircraft companies are working on these problems, its currently limiting the speeds aircraft are designed to fly at.

Answer 6

Lots of good answers, but in addition to the 250 knot & 200 knot limit, you are not allowed to exceed the speed of sound over the US without special permission. That is one reason the Concord flew the Atlantic routes.

Answer 7

Other than controlled space around air ports the only real limit is you can't fly supersonic over a populated area because of the sonic boom.

Answer 8

yes they do. Law, ATC restrictions and airspace aside, an aircraft cannot go above its maximan never exceed speed. If over this speed, the aircraft may face structural damage

Answer 9

The maximum speed is limited by the design factor and it should never be exceeded.

Answer 10

cherokee has the best answer, however i've heard, concorde and heavy B747's are/were routinely given 280kt under 10000ft by atc.