What is the service ceiling of a 747 400?

Boeing widebodies Lufthansa previously bragged that its 747-400 could reach the highest altitude in its fleet, with a maximum service ceiling of 44,947 ft (13,610 m). The German flag carrier also flies the modern 747-8, which has a service ceiling of 43,100 ft (13,137 m).



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Most commercial jetliners have a service (or certificated) ceiling of about 42,000 ft (12.8 km; 8.0 mi) and some business jets about 51,000 ft (15.5 km; 9.7 mi). Before its retirement, the Concorde supersonic transport (SST) routinely flew at 60,000 ft (18.3 km; 11.4 mi).

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The static ceiling is simply the point above which the aircraft won't be able to produce enough thrust and lift to sustain that altitude. You'll start losing velocity, and as you do so, also start losing altitude. Nothing fails outright. You just don't have enough energy to climb or even stay level.

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Most commercial aircraft are approved to fly at a maximum of around 42,000 feet, with this maximum figure also being known as a 'service ceiling. ' For example, for the double-decker Airbus A380' superjumbo' quadjet, the service ceiling is 43,000 feet.

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Similarly, the Boeing 777 family also maxes out at a ceiling of 43,100 ft (13,137 m).

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The cruising altitude of an aircraft is determined by the structural capability and operating conditions. The service ceiling of an aircraft defines how high it can fly under standard loads.

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For best protection, you are encouraged to use supplemental oxygen above 10,000 feet MSL. At night, because vision is particularly sensitive to diminished oxygen, a prudent rule is to use supplemental oxygen when flying above 6,000 feet MSL. So, when you fly at high altitudes, supplemental oxygen is the only solution.

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According to data from ch-aviation.com, the oldest active Boeing 747 family aircraft left in the world today is a 747-100SF that flies for the Iranian Air Force. Bearing registration 5-8103, this veteran quadjet is 52.86 years old and flew for TWA from 1970 to 1975 before being converted for usage as a freighter.

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For one, the Airbus A380 has almost double the space onboard compared to the Boeing 777 series, thanks to its second level. This means the airline can afford to be a little more abundant with its first class and business class offerings onboard the A380 compared to the Triple Seven.

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