Why Do Jets Cruise So High Up Where the Air Is Thin?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do jets cruise so high up where the air is thin?

The Big Idea

Jets cruise way up high, where the air is thin. They fly higher than most clouds. It is a smart place to fly!

Less Drag

Step one: less drag. Thin air has less drag than thick air, so a plane can fly faster using less fuel. That saves money and energy.

Above the Weather

Step two: above the weather. Jets also fly above most storms and clouds, where the ride is smoother. Passengers feel fewer bumps.

Pressurized Cabin

Step three: a pressurized cabin. At about thirty-five thousand feet, the air is so thin that people could not breathe without a pressurized cabin. Jet engines are designed to work best in the cold, thin air up there.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The jet climbs above the clouds. Thin air means less drag. The cabin is pressurized. Outside it is freezing.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Outside a jet at cruising height, the air temperature is around minus sixty degrees Fahrenheit. Thin air has less drag. Jets fly above most clouds and storms. Cabins are pressurized so people can breathe.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Look up at a high contrail on a clear day. Estimate which direction the plane is going. Look again after a minute. Was your guess right? Share your results with someone you love.

Outro

Jets cruise high up where thin air means less drag, a smoother ride, and cold, thin air that suits the engines. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!