Calculating Flight Direction and Time with Wind Factors

In summary, the airplane pilot needs to fly from Denver to Chicago, which is 1150 miles away at an angle of 25 degrees north of east. There is a constant jet stream of 280 mi/H coming from the southeast. By using the law of sines, the pilot must travel at a compass heading of 10.78 degrees south of west with a resultant velocity of 269.31 mi/H. The flight time needed for the trip is 4 hours 16 minutes and 12 seconds. A diagram can be used to visualize this situation.
  • #1
anshu
3
0
An airplane pilot flies a plane that has an air speed of 450 mi/H. She needs to fly from Denver to Chicago, which lies on a line 1150 miles long at an angle of 25 degrees north of east (measured from Denver.) A constant jet stream of 280 mi/H is coming from the southeast (ie, along the 45 degree line between south and east.) Determine the compass heading that she must use in order to get to Chicago in a straight line, and determine the flight time needed to make the trip.

me and my friends have tried just about everything we know, we tried to assume that the final speed was 450 but that idea was shot down. I really am clueless some help would be much appriciated
thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
Hope this helps

Hi Anshu. Drawing a diagram, the situation ends up looking like this:-
Wind(velocity vector):- 280cos 45 i + 280 sin45 j
Plane (velocity vector):- 450 cos x i + 450 sin x j
Path to be taken(displacement vector):- 1150 miles & 25 degrees north of east
so we hav total knowledge of the wind vector, but only know the size of the Plane(direction not known) and we know the resultant direction needed, but do not know the resultant speed.
applying sine rule twice we get that the direction of travel which is 10.78 degrees south of west. (while writing as components x = 190.78)
using that in :-
(450 cos x i + 450 sin x j) + (280cos 45 i + 280 sin45 j) = R cos 155 i + R sin 155 j

direction of travel of the plane is 10.78 degrees south of west.
we get R(resultant velocity) = 269.31 mi/h
therefore, time taken = 4 hours 16 minutes 12 seconds.

Hey a diagram would make this situation seem a lot simpler. :-p
If u would like to see the diagram i used, Plz answer the following:-
How the hell do i load a attachment? :confused:
Ive tried drawing it in paint, but the file size comes otu too large :cry:
 
  • #3
thanks, didnt know the law of sines, but being able to check answers was helpful thanks again
 

FAQ: Calculating Flight Direction and Time with Wind Factors

What is the effect of wind on the direction of a plane?

The wind can cause the plane to drift off course, which can affect the direction of the plane. This is especially noticeable during takeoff and landing when the plane is closer to the ground and more affected by the wind. The direction of the wind can also have an impact on the speed of the plane.

How do pilots compensate for wind when flying a plane?

Pilots use a combination of techniques to compensate for wind when flying a plane. They may adjust the heading of the plane to account for the wind direction, use the rudder to keep the plane on course, or adjust the throttle to maintain a constant airspeed.

Can wind direction change during a flight?

Yes, wind direction can change during a flight. This is why pilots constantly monitor weather conditions and make adjustments to their flight plan as needed. Changes in wind direction can affect the stability and control of the plane, so it is important for pilots to be aware of any changes in the wind during a flight.

How does wind shear affect the direction of a plane?

Wind shear is a sudden change in wind direction or speed, and it can have a significant impact on the direction of a plane. It can cause the plane to experience turbulence or sudden changes in airspeed, which can affect the direction of the plane. Pilots are trained to handle wind shear and make the necessary adjustments to maintain control of the plane.

Can the direction of a plane be affected by both headwinds and crosswinds?

Yes, the direction of a plane can be affected by both headwinds and crosswinds. Headwinds are winds that are blowing in the opposite direction of the plane's flight path, while crosswinds are winds that are blowing perpendicular to the plane's flight path. Both can impact the direction and stability of the plane, and pilots must make adjustments to compensate for these winds.

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