Why do flights go past Greenland?

[k-herm]

Our flight from Glasgow to Florida went over Greenland, or at least close by it. Why is this?

I have heard many resons given: a popular one is that due to the curvature of the Earth it's a shorter distance. I don't buy that one...I've done the thing with a piece of string and a globe and it is not shorter.

Another reason given is the jet stream which sounds plausible, but does the return flight not go the same route? If so, then you must be flying against it on return?

The best reason I can think of is simply that for safety, the pilot wants to be near land for as long as possible.

Does anyone here know for sure the reason?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I think it's the last one - to fly over or close to land for as much of the journey as possible - but that is a guess....

 

[Hilary]

I don't know the answer, but I thought it was something to do with the jet-stream, but not quite the way you put it. I thought the reason the US to UK flights are shorter is because they are helped along by the jet-stream, so I assumed the route UK to US is probably to avoid the jet-stream. I thought the in-bound flight didn't go over Greenland, but now you've mentioned it I'm not so sure - I'm usually trying to sleep by that point in the flight!

However, I have learnt never to assume anything!

 

[Beejayjay]

Its the safety thing as far as I know - if, heaven forbid, a plane did go down, they try to route planes as close to land as possible so they can be reached quickly.

Hopefully none of us ever find out if it works...

 

[Tink78]

Hey BeeJayJay, I work in Milton Keynes and used to live there for 26 years.
Me and DH moved to Wellingborough 18 months ago.
Just saw that you are in MK too.

 

[UKDEB]

I think it's simply to do with the flight path that's allocated by Air Traffic Control. On most of the outbound flights we've taken on Virgin from Gatwick to Orlando, they fly across the Atlantic (close to Greenland) towards Canada and then down the Eastern Seaboard. On the way back, we usually fly directly across the Atlantic (i.e. in what looks like a diagonal line when viewed on a flat map).

 

[UKDEB]

Take a look at this on V-Flyer. It looks as thought the 'shortest distance' explanation could be right. Look at the map which shows the Great Circle route (shortest distance) between LA and Paris - it shows a big sweeping curve which touches the tip of Greenland.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I always thought it was to be close to land as much as possible.

 

[Claire L]

Aircraft normally take the Great Circle route, as it is shorter and more fuel efficient, but it can alter depending on circumstances such as where land is. Some aircraft have to fly closer to land than others due to their capabilities should an emergency arise. The actual route taken on any one day can vary due to the weather conditions, the jet stream and the route of other aircraft in the vacinity.

Claire

 

[Laurafoster]

Before Sept 11th i was lucky enough to get to go and sit in the cockpit for an hour on one flight and i asked this question. The pilot basically told me that as a rule they prefer to fly over or as close to land for safety reasons as should they run into any problems it would be easier to make a landing! They did say this can vary depending on the route flown and weather etc..

 

[carolfoy]

Before Sept 11th i was lucky enough to get to go and sit in the cockpit for an hour on one flight and i asked this question. The pilot basically told me that as a rule they prefer to fly over or as close to land for safety reasons as should they run into any problems it would be easier to make a landing! They did say this can vary depending on the route flown and weather etc..

I've sat 'up front' on a few occassions, like you, prior to 9/11 - I never thought to ask any intelligent questions when I was there - too busy showing my cleavage!

 

[jockey]

I've sat 'up front' on a few occassions, like you, prior to 9/11 - I never thought to ask any intelligent questions when I was there - too busy showing my cleavage!

Do you have a pilot fetish!!!!

 

[florida sun]

I've sat 'up front' on a few occassions, like you, prior to 9/11 - I never thought to ask any intelligent questions when I was there - too busy showing my cleavage!

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Its down to rules apertaining to engine flame out.

An aircraft with two engines must be no more than two hours from any suitable airfield just in case they lose one of the engines.
(Also, if tghe plane has to ditch, its within range of ASR)

 

[mark&sue]

I have just started reading my books to combat fear of flying and it mentioned that the airlines try to travel close to land and re-assures that modern airline jets never ditch in the sea. I am half way through the first book and not too sure it works yet but it has stopped me coming on the DIS until just before 10.00 p.m. which is unheard of!!!


Susan

 

[Queenie]

Susan - what books do you have? I have a fear of flying and would be interested in reading them.

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

I've sat 'up front' on a few occassions, like you, prior to 9/11 - I never thought to ask any intelligent questions when I was there - too busy showing my cleavage!

I'm just digging out my pilot's uniform........

 

[mark&sue]

Queenie

I got the easy way to enjoy flying and flying? No fear and an audio cassette.

I wanted the Paul McKenna CD but they are all out of stock.

I went to Amazon and just put a search for combating fear of flying. I am trying to be positive and see if they work. I will try it out on our flight to Amsterdam in five weeks time and let you know.


Susan

 

[k-herm]

Thanks so much for your replies. Particularly UKDEB who gave me the vflyer link. This led me to look up this site which explains the Great Circle in good detail.

Other posters mentioned what I have now found out to be termed ETOPS [extended-range twin engine operations]; ie - being close to safe land and all this coupled with varying jet streams seems to answer my question.

I guess this is why, after asking so mmany people over time and getting so many different answers, I was confused. It seems that there are 3 different but interlinked reasons for the route taken across the Atlantic and not just 1 easily explained one.

I'll sleep well tonight.

 

[Laurafoster]

Do you have a pilot fetish!!!!

I certainally would if i got free flights to Disney out of it!