Planes often fly in curves instead of direct straight routes to reach a destination in the shortest time. Curved flight paths account for the Earth’s surface, providing the most direct route to the aircraft. These paths are also much more practical as they take advantage of power jet streams that help make aviation even faster.
Airlines often prefer using the quickest paths as they free more time for additional flights or multiple trips while reducing overall costs. It’s beneficial for the passengers as well, allowing them to reach their destination much more quickly.
While flight paths are approved by the ATC, they can sometimes alter them for security reasons or if there’s bad weather or high traffic in the area. Since curved flight paths can look complex on 2D maps, they’re calculated using the Great Circle Route.
Flight planners and sailors use great circles to calculate the most direct and shortest route to a destination. Factors like proximity to nearby emergency aerodromes, weather, and air traffic density must be considered by flight planners, causing the longer path to be safer even if it seems relatively inconvenient.
FAA-qualified instructors at Momentum Flight Training, an institute for advanced aircraft simulator training programs, explore some factors that prevent airplanes from taking a direct route.
#1- Air Traffic Management into Multiple Highways
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) reveals that there are over 5,400 airplanes in the sky during peak operational hours. To ensure safer air travel, the airspace is separated into multiple corridors.
Air traffic controllers monitor the traffic and give clearance to pilots when a change of flight course or altitude is required to maintain a safe distance from other planes during crowded times.
#2- Evaluation of Wind and Jet Streams
Powerful bands of wind, such as jet streams, typically blow from west to east. They help aviators fly faster toward the east without burning additional fuel, but can significantly delay airplanes traveling to the west.
When jet streams are projected to reach peak speed, flight planners reroute the plane to avoid the jet stream, which means the route would be longer. It helps to prevent a high-stress load on the plane created by flying at a higher speed, close to the maximum cruise speed of the particular aircraft.
#3- The Size of the Aircraft
The larger an airliner, the more engines it would require to function optimally. Since airplanes come in all sizes, accounting for these factors can significantly impact routing.
Having more engines allows planes to fly for extensive distances without requiring emergency landings. Therefore, smaller airliners often follow a different flight path than larger ones that are much more fuel efficient and equipped with features that reduce the impact on routing.
Whether you want to enhance your skills or gain confidence before you fly a regional airliner as a first officer, enroll in Momentum Flight Training’s 1-day, 3-day, or 5-day aircraft simulator training program, designed specifically to meet the requirements of major regional airlines.
The training institute was founded by Andy Profit to help aspiring regional pilots stay ahead of the curve. Their FAA-qualified instructors pair in-class learning with practical simulators that reflect the systems in the Canadair Regional Jet 200, 550, 700, and 900.
With only two students per class, pilots get an incredible chance to familiarize themselves with all the mechanisms and systems so they can navigate diverse flight situations confidently. Set up a consultation to find out which program will better suit your learning goals.
Robert Thompson is an aircraft expert with decades of experience in the industry. After a successful career as a pilot, instructor, and examiner, he expanded his skills and began writing blogs related to regional air travel. His work is quoted in many major publications, showcasing his extensive expertise and knowledge in the field.
