Glossary Flight Operations

Cruise

Definition

The phase of flight at a relatively constant altitude and speed between climb and descent

The total time from gate departure to gate arrival, including taxiing and airborne time

The phase of flight where an aircraft gains altitude after takeoff

The phase of flight where an aircraft reduces altitude as it approaches the destination

A standard altitude reference based on a fixed pressure setting of 29.92 inHg (1013.25 hPa)

The ratio of the aircraft's speed to the speed of sound in the surrounding atmosphere

…air is cold enough (typically below −40°C, common at cruise altitudes of 30,000–40,000 feet) and the relative humidity…

The Physics of High-Altitude Flight Commercial jet aircraft cruise at altitudes between 30,000 and 43,000 feet (approximately…

What is Cruise?

The phase of flight at a relatively constant altitude and speed between climb and descent

How does Cruise relate to other aviation concepts?

Cruise is closely related to Block Time and Climb, among other key aviation concepts.