Why do passenger jets departing from JFK bank after takeoff rather then flying straight up?

Answer 1

It's usually called a SID - Standard Instrument Departure.

This procedure is a fixed flightpath profile from takeoff to establishing on climb, clear of obstacles and intercepting (or on) track.

Its basically a sheet outlining what the pilot is to do after takeoff...in this case, bank to a certain heading, climb to a certain height, then most likely bank and climb further.

Each SID is given a name, and this saves air traffic control a LOT of work as all they've got to do is give the crew a clearance for a SID departure - then they know exactly where the aircraft will be and what it will do - everyone will know. Usually, all departing aircraft at one time will use the same SID so they follow each other and ATC won't have to give endless instructions...

This reduces workload for both (pilots know also then, well in advance, what they'll do after takeoff) and radio clutter - and allows ATC to focus on specific traffic...rather than repeated, small instructions...

The reason for the bank itself is most likely either avoidance of an obstacle (an aircraft can't just CLEAR an obstacle, they have to clear it by a certain amount of height and space...) or for noise abatement - eg, to avoid overflying noise-sensitive areas (eg residential, hospitals, etc)...

Answer 2

Takeoff on runways 31L and 31R would take you straight over Manhattan. Regulations state that when flying over populated areas, you must fly at an altitude that would afford a safe landing if the powerplant(s) should fail. Flying straight ahead wouold not afford enough margin over Manhattan

Answer 3

Valid reason all, but I thought it was primarily for noise abatement. That most common take off from JFK takes the aircraft across water and over a smaller populated area. This was very important when the Concorde was flying.

Answer 4

Well... the Airspace over Manhattan is very regulated... and they don't want many airplanes flying over anymore... Not to mention the fact that noise abatement would require that airplanes not fly directly over major urban areas...

When any flight takes off from a major airport... they will have a flight plan... that flight plan, will usually include a departure procedure... that publicly published chart, allong with permission from ATC, will tell the pilots when and were to turn...

Answer 5

Bert has it right. It depends on the departure procedure for the flight plan on file. These will usually incorporate noise abatement procedures as well.
The DP for the flight will have you follow a certain route in order to join an airway that is in common use at that time.

Answer 6

Because noise abatement has become more important then safety. It's a noise abatement procedure, and if an engine fails during the bank, a significant amount of altitude will be lost to regain VMCa if the engine to the inside fails catastrophically. It's should be survivable, but it stupidly reduces the margin of safety.

Answer 7

Aside from the above...

Certain flight paths, by law, after to skirt around major population areas as noise control...very rarely will you see flight paths buzz straight over thick urban or suburban areas where rich senators and congressman live...(at least until their altitude is high enough)

Answer 8

There are many planes taking off and landing at any time. If the pilot flies straight up, the chances of hitting another aircraft would be high and the results would be disastrous.

Answer 9

The plane's are over loaded & can not climb fast,

Answer 10

Well they are not all heading in the same direction are they.