The 737's maximum Mach number is closest to which value?

The 737's maximum Mach number is closest to which value?

• A. .80 Mach
• B. .82 Mach
• C. .85 Mach
• D. .90 Mach

Answer: (B)

Mach number is the speed of the aircraft relative to the local speed of sound, and the maximum Mach number is the highest speed at which the airplane can operate safely within its certification limits. For the 737, the certification limit is about Mach 0.82, so the value closest to the real ceiling is 0.82 Mach. Values like 0.80 Mach are below the limit, while 0.85 and 0.90 Mach would exceed the published maximum and could lead to adverse effects like transonic buffeting or reduced control margin. Understanding this helps explain why the 0.82 Mach figure is used as the practical maximum for the 737.

Mach number is the speed of the aircraft relative to the local speed of sound, and the maximum Mach number is the highest speed at which the airplane can operate safely within its certification limits. For the 737, the certification limit is about Mach 0.82, so the value closest to the real ceiling is 0.82 Mach. Values like 0.80 Mach are below the limit, while 0.85 and 0.90 Mach would exceed the published maximum and could lead to adverse effects like transonic buffeting or reduced control margin. Understanding this helps explain why the 0.82 Mach figure is used as the practical maximum for the 737.