Why do flights go past Greenland?

[carolfoy]

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

Yes please Richard,
p.s. do you have the plane to go with it?

 

[Cochise]

The rule to govern the flighpath of twin engined planes is known as ETOPS which breaks down (No pun intended) to Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards.

They give each twin engined plane a certificate than enables it to fly a certain diversion time from the nearest functional airport.