Why Planes Don't Fly Over the Pacific Ocean

Summary

This engaging video script explains why flights between distant destinations like the U.S. and Asia often take curved routes over Alaska, rather than straight over the Pacific. The explanation highlights how the Earth's curvature and jet streams help airlines save fuel and time while maintaining safety. It discusses the benefits of flying near land in emergencies, the effects of Earth's rotation, turbulence over land versus water, and how jet streams can either speed up or slow down flights. Viewers are encouraged to always wear seat belts during flights!

Takeaways

• ✈️ Airlines often avoid the Pacific Ocean when flying between Asia and the US, but it's primarily about saving fuel and time.
• 🌍 The Earth’s curvature and its extra width at the equator make curved paths over Alaska shorter than they seem on flat maps.
• 🛬 Alaska offers emergency landing options, which is a safety bonus compared to flying over vast ocean areas.
• 🛠️ Airlines prioritize efficiency, aiming for faster routes to reduce costs and maximize profit.
• 🛑 Weather, especially thunderstorms and severe weather patterns, can influence flight paths.
• 🌊 Flights over oceans often offer smoother rides because water distributes heat better than land, reducing turbulence.
• 💨 Jet streams, high-speed air currents, play a significant role in air travel, either speeding up or slowing down flights.
• ⚠️ Clear-air turbulence, especially near jet streams, is a dangerous form of turbulence that is nearly impossible to predict.
• 🌪️ Flight paths avoid turbulent weather or jet streams that could cause a rough ride or injuries to passengers.
• 🧳 Passengers should always keep their seat belts fastened to stay safe, even in seemingly calm conditions.

Q & A

Why do some flights from the US to Asia make a detour over Alaska?

Flights often detour over Alaska to save time and fuel. Though it may seem longer on a flat map, the curvature of the Earth makes this route shorter in three-dimensional space.

Is avoiding the Pacific Ocean during flights primarily a safety precaution?

While safety is a consideration, with pilots preferring routes with more airports in case of emergencies, the primary reason for avoiding the Pacific is to save fuel and time.

How does the curvature of the Earth affect flight paths?

The Earth’s curvature means that the shortest distance between two points on a globe is not always a straight line on a flat map. Flights curve towards the poles for a shorter and more efficient route.

Why is the Earth not a perfect sphere, and how does this impact flight routes?

The Earth bulges slightly at the equator due to its rotation, making it an oblate spheroid. This bulge contributes to the decision to curve flights towards the poles for shorter distances.

What is clear-air turbulence, and why is it a concern for pilots?

Clear-air turbulence occurs along the edges of jet streams and is nearly impossible to predict. It can cause intense turbulence and sudden drops, which is why pilots must be cautious when flying near jet streams.

How do jet streams impact flight times?

Jet streams are fast-moving air currents that flow from west to east. Flying with a jet stream can significantly reduce flight times, while flying against it can slow planes down.

What role do jet streams play in determining flight routes?

Jet streams help determine flight routes because planes can use them to travel faster and save fuel. However, pilots must balance the benefits of jet streams with the risk of clear-air turbulence.

Why is turbulence more common over land than over water?

Turbulence is more common over land due to hot air rising from the ground, whereas water distributes heat more evenly, resulting in smoother flights over oceans.

Why might planes fly over the ocean despite the risks of turbulence and distance?

Planes may fly over the ocean to avoid severe weather like thunderstorms or to take advantage of smoother rides due to less turbulence over water.

What should passengers do to stay safe during turbulence?

Passengers should keep their seat belts fastened at all times while seated, as turbulence can occur unexpectedly, especially in cases of clear-air turbulence.