Why do commercial airliners sometimes leave a jet stream in the air?

Answer 1

The "jet stream" simply signifies high winds that blow about 35,000 feet above the earth's surface from west to east. They blow higher and lower according to the season and certain meteorological conditions. Pilots can take advantage of the jet stream to use it as a tailwind to push the aircraft along and save fuel. It also can slow down a plane if the plane flies against, instead of with it. This phenomenon of flying with or against these high speed winds was observed by pilots flying over the Pacific during WWII. Since they are so important in aviation, these high speed winds got the moniker, "jet stream."

The actual visible white stream that you see in the sky behind airliners and other aircraft is steam or water vapor, from the engines. These are often called "contrails", shortening the words "condensed water trails."

This is a good question. Email me should you like more definition.

Tailwinds from
Jana

Answer 2

No. There is not enough power. The only reason a commercial jet climbs at all is because of the action of air moving over the wing, generating lift. Without an atmosphere, the airplane can't climb at all. Also the engines wouldnt produce any thrust, because jet engines work by moving air through them. What keeps the airliner from climbing in altitude if it so desired, is that the atmosphere becomes thinner and thinner, and the wings can no longer general lift. On the other hand, if there was "plenty of oxygen" as you say, that might be enough for the wings to lift, and it would solve the problem, albiet hypothetically.

Answer 3

Planes Jet Stream

Answer 4

The Jet Stream is actually the high speed "river" of wind that airlines like to use at high altitude to give a boost. The term for what you're asking about is Contrail. This is short for condensation trail.

If atmospheric conditions are right, the hot exhaust causes condensation, leaving a vapor trail. Similar to you breath when you're out in the cold. But because of the extreme temperature deferential between the engine exhaust and the cold air, it can linger longer.

Answer 5

The visible jet stream or vapour trail left by an airliner is caused by condensing water vapour. All airplane engines have water vapour in their exhaust as a product of combustion. If the temperature and pressure are low enough at the altitude the plane is flying at, the water vapour in the exhaust stream condenses out as fine moisture droplets, similar to steam from a kettle or the natural formation of clouds in the sky.

Answer 6

The visible jet stream or vapour trail left by an airliner is caused by condensing water vapour. All airplane engines have water vapour in their exhaust as a product of combustion. If the temperature and pressure are low enough at the altitude the plane is flying at, the water vapour in the exhaust stream condenses out as fine moisture droplets, similar to steam from a kettle or the natural formation of clouds in the sky.

Answer 7

At over 14000 feet the density of the air and the cold temperatures allow for a vapor trail from the hot exhaust. All planes do it--jet or prop

Answer 8

The 'jet stream', as you call it, is actually the contrail or condensation trail. One of the by-products of burning hydrocarbon fuels is water. Look at an exhaust pipe (tail pipe to the Americans) and you will see drips of water. At altitude, this water, instantly freezes, forming the trails that we all see. Being ice and heavier that air, it begis to fall. As it does, it's temperature rises and it slowly melts.

Answer 9

It's to do with the temperature of the air at altitude. It's not just commercial jets, any jet will do it!

Answer 10

alll depends on tempature humidity prevailing winds and elevation / pitch of aircraft . colder more humid temps tend to do it more often