ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Flight envelope

Flight envelope is like a flat piece of paper that tells pilots how high, fast, and where they can fly an airplane. The envelope tells them the limits of their aircraft; flying it too high or too fast can cause the aircraft to break apart. The envelope is made up of four main lines: maximum speed, minimum speed, maximum altitude, and minimum altitude. Maximum speed is the fastest the aircraft can fly before it's too dangerous. Minimum speed is the slowest the aircraft can go without stalling. Maximum altitude is the highest the aircraft can go without running out of air. Finally, the minimum altitude is the lowest the aircraft can go without crashing. Pilots need to stay within these limits to ensure safety and prevent accidents.