*27R Arrivals until 3pm then 27R Departures* - some from this session: 37:09 Virgin Atlantic VS222 B789 from Washington - named Amazing Grace 38:32 British Airways BA206 A388 from Miami 44:36 Singapore Airlines SQ306 B77W from Singapore 52:00 Air Canada AC856 B77W from Toronto - Go Canada Go Livery 1:00:52 Air France AF7550 A318 from Nice 2:21:04 Delta Air Lines DL50 A332 from Salt Lake City [N853NW] 2:55:33 LOT LO281 B38M from Warsaw 3:09:56 Brussels Airlines SN2093 A320 from Brussels - Red Devils and Red Flames Livery 3:16:32 Virgin Atlantic VS6 A339 from Miami 3:18:12 Virgin Atlantic VS317 B789 from Bengaluru 3:23:08 Delta Air Lines DL3 B764 from New York 4:10:16 Delta Air Lines DL36 B764 from Atlanta - American Cancer Society Stickers 4:12:17 Emirates EK1 A388 from Dubai 4:14:22 Etihad EY63 B78X from Abu Dhabi 4:25:07 Icelandair FI450 B763 from Reykjavik 4:37:34 British Airways BA208 A388 from Miami 4:51:43 Qatar QR3 A388 from Doha 4:55:30 British Airways BA813 A319 from Copenhagen - BEA Retro Livery 5:52:30 Air Algerie AH2054 A332 from Algiers 5:56:27 British Airways BA595 A319 from Venice [G-EUPW] 6:27:41 Emirates EK29 A388 from Dubai 6:36:16 British Airways BA288 A35K from Phoenix *the Beluga Bringer* 6:48:14 Qatar Cargo QR8774 B77L from Doha 7:35:32 British Airways BA491 A320 from Gibraltar *go around* / 7:51:40 Landed 7:46:21 Vueling VY8960 A320 from Orly 7:47:43 Emirates SkyCargo EK9940 B77L from Dubai DWC Cheers to the FF365 crew, mods and chatters
Planes fly at high altitudes for several important reasons, each of which contributes to the efficiency, safety, and comfort of air travel. Here’s a more detailed breakdown: ### 1. *Fuel Efficiency* One of the primary reasons commercial airplanes fly at high altitudes (typically between 30,000 and 40,000 feet) is to maximize fuel efficiency. At higher altitudes, the air is thinner, meaning there is less air resistance, or drag, on the aircraft. This reduction in drag allows the airplane to fly more smoothly and at higher speeds, all while using less fuel. Fuel is one of the largest operating costs for airlines, and reducing drag leads to a more economical flight. Aircraft engines are also designed to operate more efficiently in this thinner atmosphere, further contributing to fuel savings. ### 2. *Smoother Flight and Less Turbulence* At lower altitudes, airplanes encounter more turbulent air because they are flying through the denser layers of the atmosphere. The lower part of the atmosphere (the troposphere) is where weather systems and air currents are most active, causing turbulence from storms, wind shear, and other factors. By flying at higher altitudes, planes are able to avoid much of this turbulence, as the air is calmer and more stable. This results in a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers, as well as less strain on the aircraft. ### 3. *Safety and Response Time* Flying at high altitudes gives pilots more time to react in the event of an emergency. Higher altitudes provide a greater margin of safety, offering pilots more time to troubleshoot issues or perform emergency maneuvers if needed. In the event of an engine failure or other serious problem, pilots have more time to glide the aircraft and find a safe place to land. Additionally, flying at higher altitudes places the aircraft well above most natural obstacles, such as mountains, and reduces the risk of collisions with other aircraft, since commercial air traffic is organized into different altitude levels to maintain safe separation. ### 4. *Optimized Engine Performance* Jet engines are designed to work more efficiently in the thin air of higher altitudes. At cruising altitude, the engines can operate at their optimal power settings, where they consume less fuel while producing more thrust. The cooler air at these higher levels also helps with engine cooling, which improves performance and reliability. Moreover, since the air is less dense, the engines don’t have to work as hard to generate the same amount of thrust, further contributing to fuel efficiency. ### 5. *Air Traffic Control and Separation* As air traffic grows, efficient airspace management becomes crucial. Air traffic controllers direct flights in designated "altitude bands" to keep them separated, especially in busy air corridors. By flying at high altitudes, commercial aircraft are able to maintain safe distances from other planes. Aircraft are typically assigned cruising altitudes depending on their direction of travel-flights traveling eastward might be assigned even altitudes (e.g., 35,000 feet), while flights traveling westward might fly at odd altitudes (e.g., 33,000 feet). This system helps prevent midair collisions and keeps the skies organized. ### 6. *Weather and Wind Patterns* The weather patterns at higher altitudes are typically more predictable and stable compared to the turbulent lower levels of the atmosphere. The jet stream, a fast-moving air current that flows from west to east at high altitudes, can be harnessed by aircraft flying in the same direction. By flying within or along the jet stream, planes can take advantage of these strong winds to save fuel and shorten flight times. Pilots can also avoid dangerous weather systems, such as thunderstorms and large storm fronts, by flying above them. ### 7. *Extended Range and Efficiency* Higher altitudes allow for more efficient cruising, extending the aircraft’s range. For long-haul flights, this means that planes can fly more efficiently over great distances without needing to stop and refuel. The ability to fly at high altitudes also allows airlines to make optimal use of their aircraft, offering the potential for longer routes or reduced fuel consumption on existing routes. ### 8. *Environmental Considerations* Flying at high altitudes can also have environmental benefits. Reduced fuel consumption means fewer emissions, which helps airlines meet environmental goals and reduce their carbon footprint. While aviation still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, flying at high altitudes improves fuel efficiency and can help mitigate the environmental impact of each flight. ### 9. *Passenger Experience* Although not a primary consideration for the operation of the plane, flying at high altitudes contributes to a more pleasant passenger experience. For one, the lower atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes results in less air resistance, leading to quieter flight conditions. In addition, the smoothness of high-altitude flight reduces discomfort from turbulence. Some passengers may also find that the views from 30,000 feet or more are spectacular, offering a unique perspective on the Earth below. ### Conclusion In sum, airplanes fly at high altitudes because it allows them to maximize fuel efficiency, avoid turbulence, ensure safe air traffic separation, optimize engine performance, and take advantage of favorable wind and weather patterns. All of these factors contribute to safer, more economical, and comfortable flights.
![Heathrow Go-Arounds | 22 Minutes | 40+ Go-Arounds | Part 3 | [Credit: Flight Focus 365]](/img/1.gif)
*27R Arrivals until 3pm then 27R Departures* - some from this session:
37:09 Virgin Atlantic VS222 B789 from Washington - named Amazing Grace
38:32 British Airways BA206 A388 from Miami
44:36 Singapore Airlines SQ306 B77W from Singapore
52:00 Air Canada AC856 B77W from Toronto - Go Canada Go Livery
1:00:52 Air France AF7550 A318 from Nice
2:21:04 Delta Air Lines DL50 A332 from Salt Lake City [N853NW]
2:55:33 LOT LO281 B38M from Warsaw
3:09:56 Brussels Airlines SN2093 A320 from Brussels - Red Devils and Red Flames Livery
3:16:32 Virgin Atlantic VS6 A339 from Miami
3:18:12 Virgin Atlantic VS317 B789 from Bengaluru
3:23:08 Delta Air Lines DL3 B764 from New York
4:10:16 Delta Air Lines DL36 B764 from Atlanta - American Cancer Society Stickers
4:12:17 Emirates EK1 A388 from Dubai
4:14:22 Etihad EY63 B78X from Abu Dhabi
4:25:07 Icelandair FI450 B763 from Reykjavik
4:37:34 British Airways BA208 A388 from Miami
4:51:43 Qatar QR3 A388 from Doha
4:55:30 British Airways BA813 A319 from Copenhagen - BEA Retro Livery
5:52:30 Air Algerie AH2054 A332 from Algiers
5:56:27 British Airways BA595 A319 from Venice [G-EUPW]
6:27:41 Emirates EK29 A388 from Dubai
6:36:16 British Airways BA288 A35K from Phoenix *the Beluga Bringer*
6:48:14 Qatar Cargo QR8774 B77L from Doha
7:35:32 British Airways BA491 A320 from Gibraltar *go around* / 7:51:40 Landed
7:46:21 Vueling VY8960 A320 from Orly
7:47:43 Emirates SkyCargo EK9940 B77L from Dubai DWC
Cheers to the FF365 crew, mods and chatters
Nice thumbnail of the Qatar Airways A380 landing
Planes fly at high altitudes for several important reasons, each of which contributes to the efficiency, safety, and comfort of air travel. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
### 1. *Fuel Efficiency*
One of the primary reasons commercial airplanes fly at high altitudes (typically between 30,000 and 40,000 feet) is to maximize fuel efficiency. At higher altitudes, the air is thinner, meaning there is less air resistance, or drag, on the aircraft. This reduction in drag allows the airplane to fly more smoothly and at higher speeds, all while using less fuel. Fuel is one of the largest operating costs for airlines, and reducing drag leads to a more economical flight. Aircraft engines are also designed to operate more efficiently in this thinner atmosphere, further contributing to fuel savings.
### 2. *Smoother Flight and Less Turbulence*
At lower altitudes, airplanes encounter more turbulent air because they are flying through the denser layers of the atmosphere. The lower part of the atmosphere (the troposphere) is where weather systems and air currents are most active, causing turbulence from storms, wind shear, and other factors. By flying at higher altitudes, planes are able to avoid much of this turbulence, as the air is calmer and more stable. This results in a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers, as well as less strain on the aircraft.
### 3. *Safety and Response Time*
Flying at high altitudes gives pilots more time to react in the event of an emergency. Higher altitudes provide a greater margin of safety, offering pilots more time to troubleshoot issues or perform emergency maneuvers if needed. In the event of an engine failure or other serious problem, pilots have more time to glide the aircraft and find a safe place to land. Additionally, flying at higher altitudes places the aircraft well above most natural obstacles, such as mountains, and reduces the risk of collisions with other aircraft, since commercial air traffic is organized into different altitude levels to maintain safe separation.
### 4. *Optimized Engine Performance*
Jet engines are designed to work more efficiently in the thin air of higher altitudes. At cruising altitude, the engines can operate at their optimal power settings, where they consume less fuel while producing more thrust. The cooler air at these higher levels also helps with engine cooling, which improves performance and reliability. Moreover, since the air is less dense, the engines don’t have to work as hard to generate the same amount of thrust, further contributing to fuel efficiency.
### 5. *Air Traffic Control and Separation*
As air traffic grows, efficient airspace management becomes crucial. Air traffic controllers direct flights in designated "altitude bands" to keep them separated, especially in busy air corridors. By flying at high altitudes, commercial aircraft are able to maintain safe distances from other planes. Aircraft are typically assigned cruising altitudes depending on their direction of travel-flights traveling eastward might be assigned even altitudes (e.g., 35,000 feet), while flights traveling westward might fly at odd altitudes (e.g., 33,000 feet). This system helps prevent midair collisions and keeps the skies organized.
### 6. *Weather and Wind Patterns*
The weather patterns at higher altitudes are typically more predictable and stable compared to the turbulent lower levels of the atmosphere. The jet stream, a fast-moving air current that flows from west to east at high altitudes, can be harnessed by aircraft flying in the same direction. By flying within or along the jet stream, planes can take advantage of these strong winds to save fuel and shorten flight times. Pilots can also avoid dangerous weather systems, such as thunderstorms and large storm fronts, by flying above them.
### 7. *Extended Range and Efficiency*
Higher altitudes allow for more efficient cruising, extending the aircraft’s range. For long-haul flights, this means that planes can fly more efficiently over great distances without needing to stop and refuel. The ability to fly at high altitudes also allows airlines to make optimal use of their aircraft, offering the potential for longer routes or reduced fuel consumption on existing routes.
### 8. *Environmental Considerations*
Flying at high altitudes can also have environmental benefits. Reduced fuel consumption means fewer emissions, which helps airlines meet environmental goals and reduce their carbon footprint. While aviation still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, flying at high altitudes improves fuel efficiency and can help mitigate the environmental impact of each flight.
### 9. *Passenger Experience*
Although not a primary consideration for the operation of the plane, flying at high altitudes contributes to a more pleasant passenger experience. For one, the lower atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes results in less air resistance, leading to quieter flight conditions. In addition, the smoothness of high-altitude flight reduces discomfort from turbulence. Some passengers may also find that the views from 30,000 feet or more are spectacular, offering a unique perspective on the Earth below.
### Conclusion
In sum, airplanes fly at high altitudes because it allows them to maximize fuel efficiency, avoid turbulence, ensure safe air traffic separation, optimize engine performance, and take advantage of favorable wind and weather patterns. All of these factors contribute to safer, more economical, and comfortable flights.
Good morning from Abergavenny dry rain