
Why don’t airplanes fly in a straight line to save fuel?
Why Don’t Airplanes Fly in a Straight Line to Save Fuel?
Have you ever wondered why airplanes follow a curved path instead of flying in a perfectly straight line on flight maps? Wouldn’t flying straight save fuel?
Everyone knows that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and logically, a shorter route means less fuel consumption. However, when looking at flight maps, you will notice that planes fly in a curved path instead of a straight one.
Why Don’t Planes Fly in a Straight Line?
There are several reasons why aircraft do not fly directly from point A to point B. The two main factors affecting flight paths are the Earth’s shape and atmospheric winds.
1. The Earth’s Shape and the Great Circle Route
Since the Earth is spherical and rotates on its axis, the equator is slightly "bulged out," making the circumference at the equator larger than at the poles.
This means that flying towards the poles shortens the distance compared to flying in a straight line along the equator. That’s why flights from the U.S. to Asia often pass over Alaska and Siberia instead of taking what appears to be a straight path on a 2D map. This technique, called the Great Circle Route, helps shorten travel time and saves fuel.
2. Jet Streams and Weather Conditions
Flight paths are pre-planned before takeoff to ensure the shortest and most efficient route. However, planes may adjust their flight path mid-flight depending on weather conditions, wind speeds, and jet streams.
Jet streams are high-speed air currents in the atmosphere, reaching speeds of over 320 km/h (200 mph). If a plane flies with the jet stream, it reaches its destination faster and consumes less fuel. On the other hand, flying against the jet stream requires pilots to adjust their route to avoid excessive fuel consumption.
3. Avoiding Air Turbulence
Turbulence is another factor that influences flight paths. The main cause of turbulence is hot air rising from the ground. Water bodies, such as oceans, retain heat better than land, meaning the air over water is more stable than over land.
This explains why many flight routes are designed to fly over the ocean rather than land, even when a direct path over land seems shorter.
The World’s Longest Direct Flight
Currently, the longest non-stop flight in the world is from Singapore to Newark, New Jersey, USA, covering over 16,700 km (10,400 miles) in about 18 hours and 45 minutes.
Why Do Airplanes Sometimes Climb Back Up Just Before Landing?
Patrick Smith, a pilot and author of the best-selling book Cockpit Confidential, has discussed various passenger concerns about flying. One common fear is why a plane suddenly ascends just before landing.
Smith explains that this maneuver is called a “go-around” and is not an aviation emergency. It is a common safety procedure and happens for a few reasons:
- Runway Clearance Issues: If another aircraft has not yet vacated the runway, pilots must abort the landing to avoid collision.
- Poor Weather Conditions: If visibility drops below safe levels during the approach, pilots may need to climb back up and try again or land at an alternate airport.
What Happens If a Plane Suddenly Loses Cabin Pressure?
A dramatic loss of cabin pressure is a common scene in movies, often portrayed as a chaotic and life-threatening event. But what really happens in such a situation?
Smith reassures passengers that while explosive decompression due to a bomb is possible, it is extremely rare. In most cases, cabin pressure loss occurs gradually due to minor leaks.
When this happens:
- Oxygen masks will automatically deploy for passengers to use.
- Pilots will descend to a safe altitude where passengers can breathe normally without oxygen masks.
- Some passengers may experience no.sebl.eeds or ear p.ain, but staying calm and following crew instructions is the best course of action.
Smith emphasizes that there is no need to panic, as aircraft and crew are well-trained to handle such situations efficiently.
News in the same category


Run now

Cougar cubs spotted in Michigan for first time in more than a century

Why don’t airplanes fly in a straight line to save fuel?

Why are pork and frog meat banned in Saudi Arabia?

Why hotels always use white sheets, blankets, and pillows: Important reasons that many people don't know

4 magical hidden functions of tape measure, many people still don't know

5 Unsolved Mysteries of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Tomb That Continue to Baffle Experts

Locks often have an extra small hole

Why do you have to do that?

The 'Three No-Touch, Four Take-Away' Rule Every Hotel Guest Should Know

Why You Shouldn’t Make the Bed Before Leaving a Hotel – Housekeeping Staff Reveal the Truth!

What happens to your body when you swallow chewing gum?

6 Hidden Dangers Near Your Bed That Could Be Harming Your Health

Why You Should Eat a Banana Every Day: 7 Science-Backed Health Benefits

Is it true that tomatoes cooked with potatoes are poisonous? The truth surprises us

Habits that put you at risk of sleep apnea

Why In France, Grocery Stores Are Not Allowed To Throw Edible Food In The Trash

You should move house now

Why did he do that?
News Post

Place your phone screen face down on the table

Chinese Math Star Solves 100-Year-Old Math Problem

Run now

How to distinguish naturally ripened tomatoes is very simple

Cougar cubs spotted in Michigan for first time in more than a century

Cheap but few people eat

Don't throw away cucumber peels!

It's hard to guess

The Best Time to Charge Your Phone for Longer Battery Life

It Reveals Your True Personality!

10 Symptoms of Diabetes That May Show Up In Your Feet

7 Reasons You Should Be Adding Sweet Potatoes to Your Diet

New technology converts can.cer cells into normal cells

Amazing benefits of coconut water that can't be ignored

6 groups of people shouldn't drink coconut water

Stop buying pills at the pharmacy, because with chayote, you'll eliminate knee pain

Frequent sleep talking signals risk of heart disease and stroke

Great benefits from coffee
