Do pilots have to fly over the north pole to get to china? I heard they did.?

Question

I heard on a radio station that the north pole is full of radiation and they won't let women take the flight over the north pole and that pilots get sunburned from going over the north pole and that pilots don'tlike it because if anything happens they don't have any where to go down on the north pole because they would never be able to get back up in the air. Is this true?

Answer 1

As a regular flyer to China, yes they sometimes do fly the polar route. It all depends upon the forecast winds aloft. They route for the best tailwind component or at least the least headwind component as it saves time and fuel.

What you heard on the radio is simply not true. Although the ozone layer is thinner at the poles, the increased exposure is very minimal -- far less than an annual x-ray if you fly that route once a week.

The aircraft skin shields you from most of the affects of the tiny increase in radiation. And the windscreens on aircraft block UV radiation which is what would cause sunburns.

Now, as to an alternate landing area when flying the polar route that could be an issue with some aircraft. Most 2 engine long-haul birds are limited in the distance that they can be from a suitable airfield along their route of flight and may shun the polar route for that reason. But 4 engine birds don't have that concern and can use the polar route without any worry.

Answer 2

Take an earth model. Select a point of departure and one of arrival. Put a piece of string between them, and look where it goes. Some route would go above the north pole if one wants to have the shortest distance, and some route do just that.
Now, about this sunburning thing: it makes no sense. And having a problem over the north pole is no different than having it in the middle of the pacific ocean: you still are pretty far from anywhere you may want to be.
But airplanes have safety features, and everything is at least duplicated.

Answer 3

I doubt that is all true. People fly over the North Pole all of the time. It's a lot shorter than going halfway around the world. I did it going from Germany to California. If there is radiation, it is probably from the sun and the hole in the ozone layer (which is at the poles). Car windows block out UV light which causes sunburn. I have no reason to believe airplane windows don't do the same thing.

Answer 4

They fly the "Great Circle" route to China, that is a route that takes them up north, but not to the poles... As for radiation, I think women are just fine, also, pilots do not walk away from a flight to China with a "Pilots Tan" if you will...

Finally, it may just be me but I dont like to land anywhere I'm not scheduled to land.

Answer 5

You really need to read your question, and look at the globe. Women can fly anywhere. Your information is all wrong. Change radio stations.

Answer 6

nah they cross pacific ocean