What’s the speed of an airplane? - World Aviation ATO (2024)

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Along with aerodynamics, speed is the other essential factor for an aircraft to fly. If an aircraft could not reach a certain ground speed it would be impossible to lift its 200/300 tons weight off the ground and hold on in the air.

When in flight, pilots must know at all times the speed at which they move in the air mass surrounding the aircraft. For this purpose, a gadget called “anemometer” is used to calculate the speed applying two values: total pressure and static pressure. These pressures are obtained thanks to the pitot tube, located at the bottom of the wing, outside the laminar layer. By subtructing one from the other the dynamic pressure is acquired, which is needed to determine the speed.

For an easier understanding, the anemometer has a color scale:

⚪️ White indicates the range of speeds at which we can use flaps.
🟢 Green corresponds to normal operating speeds.
🟡Yellowrecommended speeds only in exceptional circ*mstances and without turbulence.
🔴 The red line means the speed that should never be exceeded.

How fast does a commercial plane fly?

What’s the takeoff speed?

For an airplane to take off it is necessary a previous run at the appropriate speed that provides the impulse to lift from the ground. The speed at which an aircraft takes off is calculated regarding the total weight of the aircraft (including cargo, passage and fuel), wind, airport characteristics and weather conditions.

Whenever possible, take-offs should be made against the wind as it:

Enables a shorter takeoff run.
Minimizes the drift effect.
Allows the best directional control, especially at the beginning of the takeoff run.
Improves obstacle clearance by having a shorter run and a steeper climbing angle.
When in an airfield without control tower service every aircraft follows the same direction of the traffic circuit.

In general, the average takeoff run speed of commercial aircrafts ranges from 250 to 300 km/h. The maneuver consists of several phases with different speeds that mark its development until reaching a safe ascent. These are:

V1: limit speed for the pilot to interrupt take-off in case of any unforeseen event (a warning of systems failure in the cabin, object on the runway…)
VR: When the aircraft begins to take off. Once this speed is reached, the aircraft must necessarily go into the air.
Vx: speed of best angle of ascent, that is, the one that provides the greatest altitude in the smallest horizontal distance possible.
Vy: speed of best ascent rate, is the one that provides the greatest altitude in the shortest time possible.

What’s an aircraft landing speed?

As for taking-off, the aircraft’s total weight, wind, airport characteristics and weather conditions are essential factors to calculate the speed at which the aircraft must land.

On the approach to the runway, the speed shall be gradually lowered to the point where it is safe for the landing gear to come into contact with the ground without jumping into pieces. The plane will deploy flaps, creating wind resistance and helping to slow down to 240/250 kilometers per hour at the time of touching ground, braking quickly until it reaches a speed that allows the plane to safely leave the runway in the shortest time possible.

What is the maximum speed of a plane?

Aircrafts speed is limited due to several factors. In one hand, it is the time limit during which engines can run at full power. On the other hand, at low altitudes the maximum speed will depend on structural limitations while, at high altitude the limitation will come for aerodynamic reasons. For example, the Airbus A320 cannot exceed the cruising speed of M.79.

Thus, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), responsible for aviation safety and regulations, publishes the certification of each aircraft brand and model operating around the world, indicating their minimum and maximum flight speeds.

As a general rule, commercial aircrafts fly around M.77, which is equivalent to about 860 km/h or 14 kilometres per minute. An exception was the Concorde, the fastest passenger aircraft ever, which reached cruising speeds of up to 2.35 Mach, that is 41 kilometres per minute.

However, the fastest aircraft in history has been the Lockheed SR-71 fighter ‘Blackbird’, reaching 3540 kilometers per hour, or what is the same, almost one kilometer per second.

Different speeds at each phase of the flight

During a flight, from leaving the parking area to start the journey until parking at destination, a commercial plane reaches different heights and speeds.

Taxi

Taxi is the ground movement of the aircraft along the taxiway until it is positioned on the main runway for taking off, and from when it leaves it when it lands. It is a slow travel, at an average speed between 35 and 60 km/h.

Take-off run

This is the run the plane must take along the runway before taking off the ground. The average speed of commercial aircrafts ranges between 250 and 300 km/h.

Cruising speed

Cruising speed is the one the aircraft reaches once stabled in flight, between the end of the ascent and the beginning of the descent towards the destination airport, at an altitude between 9,100 and 12,400 meters (30 thousand and 41 thousand feet). At that time, the average speed is 850 km/h.

Landing

Approximately five minutes before landing, the approach manoeuvre begins, at an average speed of 380 km/h. On the descent path, the aircraft slows down to about 270 to 240 km/h, which is the speed at which the aircraft will safely touch the ground.

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As an aviation enthusiast with a deep understanding of aerodynamics and aircraft operations, I find the provided article on aircraft speed and related concepts quite intriguing. The information covered aligns with my expertise in the field, and I'd like to further elaborate on the concepts discussed in the article.

Aerodynamics and Lift: The article correctly emphasizes the importance of aerodynamics in aircraft flight. Lift, generated by the wings through the shape of the airfoil, is crucial for overcoming the gravitational force and allowing the aircraft to become airborne. Achieving the necessary speed is a fundamental aspect of generating the lift required for flight.
Anemometer and Pitot Tube: The article mentions the use of an anemometer to calculate airspeed, with inputs from total pressure and static pressure obtained through a pitot tube. The pitot tube, located outside the laminar layer beneath the wing, plays a critical role in measuring these pressures and determining the dynamic pressure necessary for calculating airspeed.
Color-Coded Anemometer Scale: The color-coded scale on the anemometer provides quick visual information to pilots about different speed ranges. White, green, yellow, and red zones indicate specific speed conditions, helping pilots make informed decisions during different phases of flight.
Speed Measurement Units: The article rightly mentions that aircraft speed is measured in knots in aviation (1 knot = 1.85 kilometers per hour). Additionally, the Mach number is used to express an aircraft's speed relative to the speed of sound. This is crucial for understanding the limitations and capabilities of modern aircraft.
Commercial Aircraft Speeds: The average speed of passenger aircraft, mentioned as around Mach 0.77 (about 860 km/h), aligns with standard cruising speeds. It's interesting to note the specific maximum speeds of commercial aircraft like the Airbus A330Neo and Boeing B788 under ideal conditions.
Takeoff and Landing Speeds: The article provides insights into the factors influencing takeoff and landing speeds, including total weight, wind, airport characteristics, and weather conditions. Different phases of takeoff, such as V1, VR, Vx, and Vy, highlight the precise control and calculations involved in these critical moments of flight.
Maximum Speed Limits: Understanding the limitations on aircraft speed is essential for safety. The article touches upon factors like engine limitations, structural constraints at low altitudes, and aerodynamic limitations at high altitudes. The Concorde and Lockheed SR-71 are cited as examples of aircraft that pushed these limits.
Phases of Flight and Corresponding Speeds: The article details the various phases of a commercial flight, from taxiing to cruising and landing, each with its associated speeds. This information provides a comprehensive overview of how an aircraft's speed varies throughout its journey.

In conclusion, the article effectively combines practical knowledge and technical details related to aircraft speed, catering to both aviation enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper understanding of the subject. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like me to delve into further, feel free to ask.