These are the commercial jet engines you see, like the Boeing 777, 747, Airbus A330 and A380s. Though there is a considerable reduction of the engine thrust, at these altitudes the lower drag associated with low air density means a more economical flight with a higher True Air Speed.
Crepitus in the knees may be caused by knee injuries such as meniscus tears. These are fairly common in people who play sports, jog, or run. A meniscus tear can cause crepitus as the joint moves. Chondromalacia patella is a dull ache behind the kneecap, usually caused by overuse or injury. There will be damage to the undersurface cartilage covering the kneecap.
Another form of mal-tracking, associated with a tendency to recurrent patella subluxation is when the kneecap shifts outwards (laterally) as the knee straightens and has to shift inwards (medially) to re-enter the trochlea groove as the knee starts to bend again.