Discover the maximum speeds of planes according to altitude: regulations, flight performance, and differences between light aircraft, private jets, and airliners.

The speed of an aircraft is never constant. It varies depending on many factors: weight, type of aircraft, weather conditions, but above all altitude. Altitude has a direct impact on engine performance, air density, restrictions imposed by aviation regulations, and traffic safety. In global airspace, speed limits vary depending on flight levels, aircraft type, and flight phase (climb, cruise, descent).

Units used: knots, km/h, Mach

In aviation, speed is generally expressed in knots (kt). One knot is equivalent to 1.852 km/h. Speed can also be expressed in Mach, which is a fraction of the speed of sound (approximately 1,234 km/h at 20°C at sea level). At low altitudes, indicated airspeed (IAS) is used. During cruising, Mach or true airspeed (TAS) is often used.

Limitations below 10,000 feet (≈ 3,050 m)

Regulations impose a maximum speed of 250 knots IAS (approximately 463 km/h) below 10,000 feet for IFR and VFR flights. This rule applies in Europe (SERA regulations) and the United States (FAA – FAR 91.117).

Purpose of this restriction:

• To reduce the risk of collision in a dense area.
• To promote separation between fast aircraft (jets) and slow aircraft (light aircraft, helicopters).
• To give air traffic control more time to react in the event of a conflict.

In some cases, pilots may obtain a temporary exemption from this limit. For example, an Airbus A320 on descent may slightly exceed 250 kt if authorized by ATC.

Speeds at very low altitudes (below 3,000 feet)

In uncontrolled airspace (Class G airspace), some countries impose even lower limits. In France, SERA 5005(f) requires VFR aircraft not to exceed 140 knots IAS (approximately 260 km/h) below 3,000 feet above ground level if the aircraft is not equipped with radio. This ensures the safety of visual flights, which are often conducted without contact with air traffic controllers.

In the same vein, US regulations impose a maximum speed of 200 knots (370 km/h) around controlled airports and below 2,500 feet above ground level within a 4 NM radius of an airport.

Typical speeds according to altitude and aircraft type

The higher the altitude, the lower the air density. At high altitudes, jet engines consume less fuel, and the aircraft can fly faster with less drag. In cruise flight, speed limitations therefore depend on the type of aircraft and its optimal flight envelope.

Here are some examples of cruising speeds according to altitude and aircraft type:

Aircraft type	Typical cruising altitude	Cruising speed
Cessna 172 (light aircraft)	2,000–3,000 m	110 kt (204 km/h)
Embraer Phenom 300 (private jet)	13,000 m	Mach 0.76 (870 km/h)
Airbus A320	11,000 m	Mach 0.78 (830 km/h)
Boeing 787	12,000 m	Mach 0.85 (900 km/h)
Dassault Rafale	12,000 m	Mach 1.4 (1,700 km/h)

These speeds are optimal for aircraft performance, fuel consumption, and passenger comfort. During climb and descent, speeds are lower and controlled by speed restrictions.

Cruise constraints and Mach speeds

At high altitudes, maximum speed is often expressed in Mach. Each aircraft has a maximum certified Mach number (MMO), which it must not exceed. For an A320, the MMO is Mach 0.82, and for a Boeing 777, Mach 0.89. Pilots generally aim for a cruising speed between Mach 0.78 and 0.85.

Mach speed is influenced by air temperature. The higher you climb, the lower the temperature, which changes the speed of sound. This is why the speed in km/h of a Mach 0.80 varies with altitude.

The example of the Boeing 737

A Boeing 737-800 climbs to approximately 270 kt IAS during initial climb. At 10,000 feet, it must reduce to 250 kt. Then, climbing to cruising altitude at 35,000 feet, its true airspeed increases to approximately 830 km/h (Mach 0.78). During descent, it again complies with the 250 kt limitations below FL100.

This profile ensures a smooth transition between control zones, while respecting the aerodynamic capabilities of the aircraft.

The impact on traffic management

Low-altitude speed restrictions contribute to safety in mixed airspace where slow and fast aircraft intersect. This simplifies radar control and allows for better anticipation of maneuvers. If all fast aircraft had to fly at 350 or 400 kt below FL100, the risk of collision would be higher, especially with VFR aircraft or drones.

Exceptions and military aviation

Military aircraft may be exempt from certain restrictions, particularly during special missions or training exercises. A fighter jet may fly at Mach 1 below 10,000 feet in reserved airspace. However, in civilian airspace, the same restrictions generally apply to military jets in transit to ensure compatibility with other traffic.

An aircraft’s speed always depends on its altitude, the type of airspace, and its category. Below 10,000 feet, the 250-knot rule protects general aviation and ensures a good balance between safety and flow. At cruising speeds, speeds are dictated by the aircraft’s performance and fuel efficiency. Understanding these rules provides a better understanding of the constraints that apply to pilots and air traffic controllers in managing global traffic.

Here is a clear summary table of indicative speeds by aircraft type and altitude, in indicated airspeed (IAS) or Mach speed depending on the flight level. The values are given for information purposes only, for standard conditions.

Summary table – Speeds by aircraft type and altitude

Aircraft type	Altitude	Typical speed	Unit	Comments
Cessna 172 (light aircraft)	2,000–3,000 feet	85–100 kt (157–185 km/h)	Indicated airspeed (IAS)	Cruising, visual flight
	8,000 feet	105 kt (195 km/h)	IAS	Under optimal conditions
TBM 960 (light turboprop)	10,000 feet	250 kt (463 km/h)	IAS	Maximum authorized under FL100
Embraer Phenom 300 (private jet)	10,000 feet	250 kt (463 km/h)	IAS	IFR regulatory limit
	41,000 feet	Mach 0.76 (870 km/h)	Mach / TAS	Economic cruise
Airbus A320	10,000 feet	250 kt (463 km/h)	IAS	In transition
	35,000 feet	Mach 0.78 (approximately 830 km/h)	Mach	Normal cruise speed
Boeing 777	37,000 feet	Mach 0.84 – 0.85 (900 – 935 km/h)	Mach	Long-haul, fast cruise
Dassault Rafale	10,000 feet	300–450 kt (555–830 km/h)	IAS	In transit, without afterburners
	40,000 feet	Mach 1.3 – 1.4 (1,600 – 1,700 km/h)	Mach	Full power in supersonic flight
Concorde (former supersonic aircraft)	60,000 feet	Mach 2.02 (2,180 km/h)	Mach	Commercial cruise record

Get in touch to live a unique fighter jet experience – we fly in France AND YOU CAN TAKE THE CONTROLS!!!