Are the skies more turbulent than they used to be.

James,

You are correct about fighting gravity, but it doesn't take 50% of available
fuel to get to cruise altitude.
It all depends on aircraft type and distance to be flown, but between 5 and
20% would be more accurate on most jets.

But to your point, Jets do burn about 3 times more fuel per hour while
climbing, then they do while in cruise at high altitude.


"I R A Darth Aggie" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 28 Apr 2004 13:31:55 -0700,
Matt , in
wrote:
+ My understanding is that on long flights they can't reach their highest
+ cruising altitude until some fuel is burned off because they are too
heavy.

Oftentimes you'll burn 50% or more of your fuel on the way
up. Cruising isn't hard, fighting gravity is.

James
--
Consulting Minister for Consultants, DNRC
I can please only one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow
isn't looking good, either.
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