Can you solve the airplane riddle? - Judd A. Schorr

Summary

In this entertaining narrative, Professor Fukanō, an eccentric scientist, embarks on a daring nonstop flight around the world in three innovative planes designed for fuel efficiency and teamwork. Each plane can share fuel midair, enabling a coordinated journey. The adventure involves strategic fuel transfers among the professor and his assistants, Fugōri and Orokana, ensuring they all reach their destination safely. The story highlights the importance of collaboration and creativity in overcoming challenges, ultimately culminating in a successful landing and the professor's promise of future commercial flights.

Takeaways

• ✈️ Professor Fukanō is attempting a nonstop flight around the world in a specially designed plane.
• ⛽ The plane can only hold enough fuel for half the journey, necessitating a creative solution.
• 🔄 To solve the fuel limitation, three identical planes are built, allowing for midair fuel transfers.
• 🛫 All planes take off fully loaded and coordinate their fuel usage strategically.
• ⌚ After 45 minutes, each plane has 135 kiloliters of fuel remaining.
• 🤝 Orokana refuels both the professor and Fugōri before returning to the airport.
• 🎵 The professor continues alone, enjoying his favorite music during the flight.
• ⏳ Orokana takes off again to meet the professor and transfers fuel as he approaches empty.
• 🔗 Fugōri makes a timely return to provide additional fuel to ensure all planes land safely.
• 🎉 The successful mission highlights innovative teamwork and planning, with future commercial flights in mind.

Q & A

What is the main challenge faced by Professor Fukanō in his flight around the world?

The main challenge is that the plane can only hold 180 kiloliters of fuel, which is only enough for half the journey.

How does Professor Fukanō plan to solve the fuel limitation problem?

He plans to build three identical planes that can transfer fuel to each other in midair, allowing for continuous flight.

What speed can the planes travel, and how does this relate to the journey time?

The planes can travel at the incredible speed of one degree longitude around the equator per minute, allowing them to circle the world in six hours.

What specific roles do the assistant pilots Fugōri and Orokana play in the flight?

Fugōri and Orokana pilot the other two planes and facilitate the necessary fuel transfers to ensure the professor can complete his journey.

At what point in the journey does Orokana return to the airport, and why?

Orokana returns to the airport after 45 minutes, having completed her part in transferring fuel and needing to rest before her next flight.

What is the significance of the 315-degree point in the journey?

The 315-degree point is where Fugōri meets the professor and Orokana to transfer fuel, ensuring they all have enough to reach the airport.

How do the planes coordinate their movements and fuel transfers during the flight?

The planes coordinate by flying in opposite directions at strategic intervals to meet at designated points for fuel transfers.

What happens to the fuel levels of the planes after the initial transfers?

After the initial transfers, both the professor and Fugōri are refueled, while Orokana has less fuel left to return to the airport.

What is Professor Fukanō's ultimate goal with this flight?

His ultimate goal is to fly around the world nonstop, showcasing the capabilities of his uniquely designed planes.

What humorous challenge does the professor mention regarding future commercial flights?

He humorously notes that they need to figure out how to keep inflight meals from spilling everywhere before offering commercial flights.