Jet Stream


Jet Stream:

The Jet Stream consists of strong, high altitude winds that fly over the earth. The Jet Stream isn't of much concern to pilots of small aircraft, because small aircraft never fly that high. But the Jet Stream can be of use to commercial jetliners. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about the Jet Stream and commercial airliners:
Commercial use of the jet stream began on 18 November 1952, when Pan Am flew from Tokyo to Honolulu at an altitude of 7,600 metres (24,900 ft). It cut the trip time by over one-third, from 18 to 11.5 hours.[27] Not only does it cut time off the flight, it also nets fuel savings for the airline industry.[28] Within North America, the time needed to fly east across the continent can be decreased by about 30 minutes if an airplane can fly with the jet stream, or increased by more than that amount if it must fly west against it.


Have you ever been on a commercial flight when the pilot gets on the intercom and tells you that you'll be arriving at your destination sooner than planned? It probably had something to do with the Jet Stream.



Comments

  1. Inge H. BorgApril 11, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    Ah, that good old jet stream. Its okay for planes, but when it pushes all that cold Canadian air down south, it is not always welcomed.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MelindaApril 11, 2014 at 6:37 PM

    I agree with Inge! Especially if it is REALLY cold.

    M : )

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sharon HimslApril 15, 2014 at 9:47 AM

    Well, this explains it, Cathy. Commercial flights often DO arrive off schedule. Wind is a powerful force!
    Shells–Tales–Sails

    ReplyDelete

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