eli5: Why do bigger aircraft appear to be flying more slowly than smaller ones both from the ground and from the inside?

Question

Every time I see a large plane in the sky, or even riding in one, it seems like it just flies more slowly. I wonder if it’s an illusion or do they actually fly more slowly?

In: Physics

Answer 1

I used to watch C-5s fly all the time over San Antonio and it always seemed like those beasts were just floating. As they got closer you could understand their speed better. I always thought that was kind of cool.