3 ms·
This is a common misconception. Flying at higher altitudes doesn't mean just lower air resistance; it means lower lift as well. As a result you have to fly fast
by namirez 7y ago
This is a common misconception. Flying at higher altitudes doesn't mean just lower air resistance; it means lower lift as well. As a result you have to fly faster for compensating lower air density. If you do the math, you realize the overall effect would be higher energy consumption.
- freepor 7y agoCome again? The drag is proportional to the lift, but if you’re flying higher, and thus faster, to get the same lift, you’re getting to your destination faster.
- namirez 7y agoWhat you're missing is the effect of speed and altitude on engine performance. Please take a look at this (pdf): http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.167.7314&rep=rep1&type=pdf http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.167...