The direction of movement is important. To compare, GA (small) planes typically descent at 500-700 fpm (my wife complains if I descend faster than 1000 fpm :)

The direction of movement is important. To compare, GA (small) planes typically descent at 500-700 fpm (my wife complains if I descend faster than 1000 fpm :) ). Jets usually do 1000-1500 fpm. Elevators in skyscrapers can go up to 1500-2000 fpm. The limiting factor is that for many people feeling partially weight-less causes nausea. Not to mention the pressure change (especially for kids and sick/old people).