To most of us (even to those who have flown multiple times) – Aeroplanes are marvels and we tend to look at them in awe.
Flight altitude is the vertical distance between an aircraft and the Earth’s surface. This distance is commonly measured in feet, meters, and flight levels. Most commercial airplanes fly at altitudes between 30,000 feet and 42,000 feet above sea level. For international flights and long-haul flights, cruising altitude is essential for fuel efficiency and avoiding weather disruptions. Jet planes fly even higher !
As a passenger, one does not have to worry about the height – it is for the Captain and his Crew to read the atmosphere that consists of several layers, with most aircraft operating in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. Each layer presents unique challenges as well as opportunities for flight. Flying at higher altitudes allows planes to take advantage of favorable wind patterns, especially jet streams. This can shorten travel time and reduce fuel consumption. Cruising at these heights also helps avoid smaller general aviation aircraft, minimizing collision risk.
Sometimes we notice, trail of aircrafts at high altitudes - Contrails are streaks of condensed water vapor left behind by airplanes at high altitudes. They form when the hot exhaust gases from an airplane's engines mix with the cold air in the atmosphere, causing the water vapor to condense into tiny droplets. Contrails can provide valuable information for meteorologists, as they can indicate: atmospheric conditions, air traffic, flight path, patterns and climate change.
Though some airports are very congested, not often we find more
than a plane on air – very rarely, one may get to see another plane while
flying in one.
On 25.1.2025 around 5.45 pm observed this spectacle - ‘contrails of three planes’
- while 2 tiny dots sort of descending
over Sri Parthasarathi thirukkovil gopuram, one could be spotted horizontal,
starting to vanish !
Interesting !
Regards – S Sampathkumar
27.1.2025
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