I just flew from Ca. coast to Laughlin nv. We went to 35K feet. for a 1 hr. flite. I know they have Rules and Regs. But it
really seems a real waste in fuel and Time to climb to 35K rather then 10 or11k to clear the Mts. some one please
enlighten me. Thanks.
Short version: Jets are more efficient at higher altitudes.
Long version:
aviation.stackexchange.com/ques … -altitudes
(I hope you’ve brushed up on your thermodynamics)
edit: also, the energy (fuel) used to climb higher is not entirely wasted - while it’s not a free lunch, that extra altitude turns into speed on the way back down.