Cruise (flight)

The cruise portion of a flight usually consists of heading (direction of flight) changes only. Typically a constant airspeed and altitude will be maintained until the aircraft arrives near the destination and then enters the descent phase of flight.

Related Topics:
Heading - Airspeed - Altitude - Descent

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Aircraft are usually designed for optimum performance at their cruising speed. The designer will try to maximize the Lift / Drag (L/D) ratio of the airframe for that speed. There will also be an optimum altitude for a particular aircraft type. This altitude is usually where engine efficiency will be maximum.

Related Topics:
Airframe - Altitude

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