Is It Possible for Planes to Fly Over Clouds Instead of Through Them?

When thinking about air travel, one often wonders if planes could avoid flying through clouds altogether and simply fly over them. In this article, we explore the possibilities and limitations of flying over clouds and why sometimes it's not practical.

Altitude and Clear Skies

In an instrument flight regimen (IFR), planes typically fly through clouds until they reach their cruising altitude, which is usually above 29,000 to 41,000 feet. At this height, the skies are generally clear, and the flight is smooth and efficient. Most clouds form in the lower and mid-altitude levels, typically below 23,000 feet, which means that under normal circumstances, airplanes can climb over them rather than fly through.

Limitations to Flying Over Clouds

While airplanes can fly over clouds for the most part, several factors can limit the ability to do so:

Engine Limitations: Not all aircraft are designed to fly at high altitudes. For instance, many smaller aircraft have maximum altitudes well below the cloud layers. Even pressurized commercial airliners have altitude restrictions. Short Flight Routes: Sometimes, due to the length of the route, there might not be enough space to climb above the clouds. Clouds as Climate Barriers: Clouds can be so dense that they force pilots to fly through them to get to the desired altitude. This is especially true when the clouds are covering a large area, as seen in the author’s recent flight.

Piloting Techniques and Routes

When clouds do cover an entire route, pilots often have several options to choose from:

Find a Place to Land: If the weather is too bad, a pilot may opt to find a nearby airport and land rather than push through the clouds. Adjust to Lower Altitudes: For short flights, pilots may choose to fly at lower altitudes where clouds might be thinner or non-existent. This ensures they can still reach their destination with the necessary fuel and safety measures. Climb Above the Clouds: Even when flying over clouds isn't entirely possible, pilots can use a two-layer approach. For instance, they might fly through lower layers of clouds to reach a higher altitude before emerging into clear skies above.

Real-Life Example: A Flight Through the Clouds

The author's recent flight from Zurich, Switzerland, to London Heathrow offers a practical example of navigating through clouds. Upon takeoff, the flight encountered dense cloud cover over much of western Europe. The journey only became clearer when nearing Northern France, where the cloud layers thin and clear skies began to appear. The plane soared through two layers of cloud to reach its cruising altitude, providing a clear and smooth flight path.

During the climb, the plane briefly flew at a lower altitude between the cloud layers, skimming the tops of the lower cloud layer. This approach allowed the crew to maintain operation while safely maneuvering through the cloud coverage.

While the ability to fly over clouds is not always a reality due to various factors like aircraft capabilities and flight routes, engineers and pilots continuously work to enhance safety and efficiency in aviation. Understanding the limitations and working within them ensures safe and smooth flights for all passengers and crews.