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Q:

How fast does a plane have to go before it lifts off the ground?

A:

This depends on the weight of the plane and the area of its wings.

 

To get off the ground, planes have to increase their speed until the lift created is stronger than the weight of the plane. A small Cessna will need to go 60 mph to get off the ground, while a large commercial jet will need to reach a speed of 130 mph. 

Ask an Explainer
Posted on February 21, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Categories:
Flight Dynamics
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