Even if the plane is the same the time difference in the two trips is appreiciable ( about 1 to 2 hrs). On what factors does it depend? This is found to be the case for practically all airlines .. going over pacific .
2006-08-01 10:31:54 · 5 answers · asked by gnparvate 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
The jet stream has winds of around 200 mph that flow from west to east. A flight of air force aircraft in older and slower aircraft departed the west coast many years ago and flew toward the west for over an hour. They could not verify their position so they turned back to the US and were over the west coast in about 15 minutes. The head winds can be really strong and easily cause the difference in time required.
2006-08-01 10:43:23 · answer #1 · answered by Pey 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Going with the wind you go have a higher ground speed than if you go against the wind. The prevailing winds go west to east given the rotation of the earth. It is not just over the Pacific.
2006-08-01 10:42:18 · answer #2 · answered by gtoacp 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Head Winds
2006-08-01 10:35:09 · answer #3 · answered by willk_500 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The earth rotates. When you travel in the same direction as the rotation, it takes longer to get where you are going because your destination is rotating away from you.
On the return trip, the opposite happens. Your destination is rotating towards you while you are in the air. It therefore takes less time.
2006-08-01 10:37:29 · answer #4 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the westerly head winds up in the jet stream
BTW.......... Those head winds can be int eh hundreds of MPH..
2006-08-01 10:36:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋