I’m not a pilot, but am from a family of engineers, and when I researched commercial flight—specifically air speed—I learned why all passenger jets fly at *roughly* the same speed and altitude. We fly on the back of so much applied science and engineering.
I remember my father discussing coffin corner. He was a test pilot on the Boeing B-47. It was the first USAF swept wing bomber. I believe he was the first in that aircraft to “find” coffin corner. I was vey young at the time, but I recall he escaped by lowering the landing gear to increase drag and lower the critical Mach number. There were a number of other issues like aileron reversal and discovering the stall speed was much higher than predicted. The B-47 was the basis for the Boeing 707.
Thank you very much, you have answered my question. I am a pilot too, helicopters and small fixed wing. I had never heard of coffin corner. I am 83 now and aviation is history for me. Your kindness is important these days. Regards, Herb
At coffin corner, the airplane doesn’t suddenly “fall” out of the sky when you reach a limit. What happens is that the margin between low-speed stall and high-speed buffet becomes very small, so pilots must be precise.
If you approach a limit, the correct response is to reduce angle of attack and descend slightly, which immediately restores a wider speed margin and full control authority. Even a few hundred feet makes a big difference because the air gets denser.
Importantly, aircraft are never operated right at coffin corner in normal service. Regulations, performance planning, and automation keep us well away from it, and crews are trained to recognize and manage it long before it becomes an issue.
In short: yes—descending restores margin, and this is a well-understood, well-managed part of high-altitude flight, not a sudden loss-of-control scenario.
Thank you for the details!
I’m not a pilot, but am from a family of engineers, and when I researched commercial flight—specifically air speed—I learned why all passenger jets fly at *roughly* the same speed and altitude. We fly on the back of so much applied science and engineering.
I remember my father discussing coffin corner. He was a test pilot on the Boeing B-47. It was the first USAF swept wing bomber. I believe he was the first in that aircraft to “find” coffin corner. I was vey young at the time, but I recall he escaped by lowering the landing gear to increase drag and lower the critical Mach number. There were a number of other issues like aileron reversal and discovering the stall speed was much higher than predicted. The B-47 was the basis for the Boeing 707.
Can u imagine General Yeager in the Glamourous Glennis?
So interesting! Love the insight into the lesser-known (to the public) details about flying…and on a level that everyone can understand.😊
When you hit the limits do you not fall to a lower altitude and regain control ? Thank you, Herb
Thank you very much, you have answered my question. I am a pilot too, helicopters and small fixed wing. I had never heard of coffin corner. I am 83 now and aviation is history for me. Your kindness is important these days. Regards, Herb
Great question, Herb.
At coffin corner, the airplane doesn’t suddenly “fall” out of the sky when you reach a limit. What happens is that the margin between low-speed stall and high-speed buffet becomes very small, so pilots must be precise.
If you approach a limit, the correct response is to reduce angle of attack and descend slightly, which immediately restores a wider speed margin and full control authority. Even a few hundred feet makes a big difference because the air gets denser.
Importantly, aircraft are never operated right at coffin corner in normal service. Regulations, performance planning, and automation keep us well away from it, and crews are trained to recognize and manage it long before it becomes an issue.
In short: yes—descending restores margin, and this is a well-understood, well-managed part of high-altitude flight, not a sudden loss-of-control scenario.
Fascinating
Respect! I enjoy your articles!
Thanks! 🙏🏻
AI much?
Sipping peanuts”