[cripplecreek]

I see there have been some test flights over Europe at lower altitudes without any problems. Unfortunately the fuel efficiency of jets falls off at lower altitude and the margin of error shrinks.

[silverleaf]

like the Russian plane that defied restriction and bolted from Moscow to Rome at low altitiude- and had to coast in to land?

[steve86]

Unfortunately the fuel efficiency of jets falls off at lower altitude and the margin of error shrinks.

Yes, the fuel consumption is so much greater the airline would have to raise fares substantially...And, of course, a non-stop transatlantic flight could not be completed at low altitude (well, it would come to a conclusion, but several hundred miles short of the destination).

[mewzilla]

Should planes fly in Iceland volcano ash? Be careful, study says.