Which layer of the atmosphere can planes fly the highest?

stratosphere
Air is roughly a thousand times thinner at the top of the stratosphere than it is at sea level. Because of this, jet aircraft and weather balloons reach their maximum operational altitudes within the stratosphere.

What is the highest altitude a plane can fly in miles?

Although many jets could fly at higher altitudes, they are usually certified to an altitude giving a wide safety margin. For example the new generation Boeing 737 is certified to 41,000ft (7.8 miles). Many military jet aircraft are able to fly considerably higher.

What atmosphere can planes fly in?

Planes fly in the second layer of the atmosphere called the stratosphere. The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere and the one where the ozone layer is formed and where the planes fly in.

How high up is the stratosphere?

around 31 miles
Stratosphere. The Stratosphere extends around 31 miles (50 km) down to anywhere from 4 to 12 miles (6 to 20 km) above the Earth’s surface. This layer holds 19 percent of the atmosphere’s gases but very little water vapor.

Why do planes fly above the troposphere?

You’ll probably discover that it flies somewhere in the troposphere, which is important for two reasons: the air is thin enough to minimize drag, yet it’s also thick enough to produce an adequate amount of lift. For these reasons, commercial jets almost always fly in the troposphere.

How high is each layer of the atmosphere?

Exosphere: 700 to 10,000 km (440 to 6,200 miles) Thermosphere: 80 to 700 km (50 to 440 miles) Mesosphere: 50 to 80 km (31 to 50 miles) Stratosphere: 12 to 50 km (7 to 31 miles)

Why does the stratosphere get warmer with altitude?

The stratosphere reaches from the tropopause to a height of about 50 km. Temperature in the stratosphere rises with increasing altitude, because the ozone layer absorbs the greater part of the solar ultraviolet radiation. The ozone layer is an absorbing agent that protects life on Earth.

What is the highest altitude an airplane can fly?

The highest military air-breathing engine airplane was the SR-71 — about 90,000 feet. The highest airliner flying today reaches 45,000 feet. The highest business jet flying today reaches 51,000 feet. Q: At what altitude would the wings of an aircraft lose effectiveness? — Kevin T.

What layer of the atmosphere do planes fly in?

Planes fly in the second layer of the atmosphere called the stratosphere. The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere and the one where the ozone layer is formed and where the planes fly in. The temperatures in the stratosphere are inverse to those in the troposphere, meaning they rise with altitude.

What is the average altitude of a commercial jet aircraft?

Commercial jet aircrafts, typically fly at altitudes of 36000 feet to 41000 feet. That is, they fly in the lower level of Stratosphere and also in the top level of the Tropopause. One exception is the Concorde, which flew at altitudes of 60000 feet as it cruised at 1350 mph speed.

How high do airplanes fly in the stratosphere?

The majority of commercial airlines fly at heights between 30,000 and 39,000 feet, which makes up the lower parts of the stratosphere. These parts are chosen because flying through them is optimal for the consumption of fuel.