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Why do private planes fly higher than commercial?

Some Commercial Airplanes may have the capacity to reach altitudes higher than some Private Jets but very rarely do stick to the standardization of airspace usage. All the reasons private jets fly at a higher altitude are for increased safety and to reach their destinations faster.



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Private jets weigh less than large commercial aircraft, allowing them to ascend and descend faster than commercial jet. Private jets can also maintain a faster cruising altitude because they can fly above the regular altitude that most commercial airliners occupy.

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Much thinner air means that the engines cannot produce enough trust, and the wings would not produce sufficient lift. There could also be problems restarting a failed engine at a higher altitude in the event of a failure, as well as other safety implications of flying at higher altitudes for passengers and crew.

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The chances of turbulence being anything more than just a momentary distraction is very slim, so there's no need to worry. What you need to try and remember when flying in a private jet is that the aircraft is made to withstand pressure, force and a lot of physical damage while still operating.

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Although private jets tend to cruise at an altitude of 41,000 feet, they have the capability of reaching heights of 45,000 feet. Altitudes higher than this tend to be reserved for military aircraft that comfortably reach an altitude of up to 51,000 feet.

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A major reason for flying at that altitude is money; After labor, fuel is the greatest expense for airlines. That's why airlines are constantly working to maximize their fuel efficiency. Cruising at 36,000 feet helps with that. The higher altitude means thinner air.

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Private jets are typically smaller and lighter than commercial airliners, which can make them more susceptible to turbulence. However, many private jets are also equipped with advanced weather radar and other technology that can help pilots avoid turbulence and make smoother flights.

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1) Enhanced Security and Luxury – Are Private Jets Safer Than Commercial? While private jets do offer enhanced security features, such as the ability to avoid crowded airports and minimize contact with strangers, commercial airlines are subject to more rigorous safety regulations and have more experienced pilots.

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Private Jets still have a higher accident rate than commercial airlines, but fatal crashes have declined over the last two decades. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the total number of private flying accidents has dropped by up to a quarter since 2002.

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Perception of safety. Managing risk is a common skill for the wealthy and often a high-end traveller will consider private travel to be safer than a commercial offering. The report claimed that the two dominant factors are the age of the plane and the visual condition of both its exterior and cabin.

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A common misconception in aviation is that commercial airline pilots make a lot more money than people who fly private planes. While this is true for senior pilots that fly for large airlines, you can also make a good living as a private pilot.

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Lower seniority pilots will likely be flying much smaller narrow-bodied jets until they can gain the seniority to upgrade to a larger plane with more responsibility.

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Because the Earth is a three-dimensional sphere and not merely a two-dimensional flat, East-West surface. Because of this spherical shape, often times the shortest distance is flying more north and south, up over the Northern latitudes and the North Pole, rather than flying east/west over the Pacific.

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Whether flying at night or during the day, pilots need to see some kind of horizon. They use this to determine the airplane's attitude. At night pilots will turn their gaze from outside to inside and use the artificial horizon. The artificial horizon is normally a simply globe split into two hemispheres.

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Usually the pilots will leave the autopilot engaged. In small airplanes with limited autopilots, it is better to fly manually, but with more sophisticated airplanes the autopilot is a valid option in turbulence. Severe turbulence is actually very rare.

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While pilots can't actually see turbulence, they often know what is coming up, thanks to reports from other planes, weather reports, and radar equipment. However, clear air turbulence (severe turbulence occurring in cloudless areas) can sometimes catch pilots off guard.

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While pilots can't actually see turbulence, they often know what is coming up, thanks to reports from other planes, weather reports, and radar equipment. However, clear air turbulence (severe turbulence occurring in cloudless areas) can sometimes catch pilots off guard.

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