High Altitude Private Jets offer a unique flying experience that sets them apart from commercial aircraft, soaring above typical commercial flight altitudes. The reasons for this vary from weather conditions to timeliness for customers. Continue reading to learn the advantages of this and why it is appealing to new and current users.
Most commercial aircraft operate at altitudes of around 35,000 feet, although some commercial aircraft are certified up to 41,000 feet. However, many aircraft will not operate at this level due to various traffic restrictions. For example, Airbus A350s and Airbus A380s are certified up to 43,000 feet, although they will rarely travel at this altitude.
However, many private aircraft have the ability to fly at higher altitudes. For example, several private jets, such as the Dassault Falcon 7X, Bombardier Global 5000, Bombardier Global 6000, Cessna Citation X, or the Gulfstream G650, Gulfstream G700, and Gulfstream G800, are certified to fly up to 51,000 feet. Smaller jets, like the Cessna Citation Longitude, Embraer Legacy variants, or Embraer Praetor variants, have slightly lower ratings of about 45,000 feet. The major difference between commercial and private jets is that private aircraft are typically allowed to fly at higher altitudes and are much closer to the aircraft’s altitude ceiling.
Less air traffic
One major reason that private jets fly at higher altitudes is to avoid other air traffic. Altitudes ranging from 30,000 to 35,000 feet are typically dedicated to commercial aircraft. This airspace is usually denser, but commercial aircraft have sensors and other control measures to avoid other aircraft at similar altitudes.
Per the Private Jet Charter, private jets do not have the same control measures. This means that private jets typically fly at higher altitudes with much less air traffic. The higher altitude also allows private aircraft to take more direct routes to their destinations without altering their flight paths because of other aircraft.
Private jets also fly higher to experience calmer air. More aircraft flying at certain altitudes will increase wind shear or jet stream, so private jets attempt to avoid these encounters altogether.
Less significant weather
As the altitude increases, there is typically less unfavorable weather. The air gets thinner as the altitude increases, which means that there are lower chances of encountering bad weather. Per PrivateFly, the thinner air also allows the jet to fly faster and arrive at its destination quicker.
Also, with less air traffic, private jets can fly around and avoid any bad weather in their path. Because there is less traffic, the private jet has the option to change course or even altitude to avoid bad weather and turbulence.
Lighter aircraft and loads
Overall, private jets are typically smaller and lighter than many commercial aircraft. These jets also have a higher power-to-weight ratio when compared to commercial jets. Per AirRacer, private jets have less fuel and a lower payload, which means they can ascend and reach cruising speeds much quicker than commercial aircraft. Therefore, private jets can reach higher altitudes quickly to complete their overall flights.
Overall, private jets have better fuel efficiency, faster cruising speeds, better performance at higher altitudes in thinner air, and less turbulence. This provides for quicker and more comfortable flights for private jet passengers.
Original article published on simpleflying.com