Can passenger planes fly faster than the speed of sound?

Can passenger planes fly faster than the speed of sound? Do airliners fly at the speed of sound? Apart from two exceptions, both of which are not flying any more, no. But they do get fairly close. Airliner cruising speeds are roughly Mach 0.82 to Mach 0.89, or 82% to 89% of the speed of sound.

Why do aircraft fly at 35000 feet?

The biggest reason for flying at higher altitudes lies in fuel efficiency. The thin air creates less drag on the aircraft, which means the plane can use less fuel in order to maintain speed. Less wind resistance, more power, less effort, so to speak.

Why is sonic boom illegal?

Fifty years ago, the federal government banned all civilian supersonic flights over land. The rule prohibits non-military aircraft from flying faster than sound so their resulting sonic booms won't startle the public below or concern them about potential property damage.

Can a 747 fly faster than the speed of sound?

The 747-100, for instance, was tested up to Mach 0.99, almost breaking the sound barrier. Other 747s, such as Air Force One, have approached the sound barrier but never crossed it.

Are sonic booms illegal?

' It's actually illegal to fly supersonic, or MACH 1, over the mainland of the United States. However, this event was cleared by the FAA.

Is supersonic flight banned in the US?

Within a few years, the FAA formally proposed a rule to restrict the operation of civil aircraft at speeds greater than Mach 1. In 1971, Congress officially canceled the SST program. The ban on civilian supersonic flights over land went into effect in 1973, and the ban remains in effect today.

Why don t we hear sonic booms anymore?

The power, or volume, of the shock wave depends on the quantity of air that is being accelerated, and thus the size and shape of the aircraft. As the aircraft increases speed the shock cone gets tighter around the craft and becomes weaker to the point that at very high speeds and altitudes no boom is heard.

Why is breaking the sound barrier illegal?

Fifty years ago, the federal government banned all civilian supersonic flights over land. The rule prohibits non-military aircraft from flying faster than sound so their resulting sonic booms won't startle the public below or concern them about potential property damage.