A plane takes off at Cheyenne Regional Airport, which has an elevation of 6,159 feet. It ascends 17,785 feet, then descends \( D \) feet. Which expression gives the current elevation of the plane in feet?

To find the current elevation of the plane, you start with the elevation of Cheyenne Regional Airport, which is 6,159 feet. After taking off, the plane ascends 17,785 feet. The expression for the height after the ascent is \( 6,159 + 17,785 \). After reaching that height, the plane then descends \( D \) feet, so the final expression for the current elevation of the plane is \( 6,159 + 17,785 - D \). As a bonus, it’s fascinating to note that Cheyenne Regional Airport is situated against the backdrop of the beautiful Laramie Mountains in Wyoming. The elevation adds an extra challenge for pilots, as flying at higher altitudes can affect engine performance and aircraft handling due to thinner air—definitely something to consider during the flight planning process! If you're curious about flight altitude and how pilots manage those changes in elevation, you might want to delve into the world of aviation regulations! For instance, after takeoff, a pilot follows specific flight procedures, which include maintaining a safe altitude during the climb, and knowing required standard communication protocols with air traffic control. Reading about these can provide insight into the fascinating world of aviation operations.