Wind velocity and aircraft (answer check)

In summary, for a pilot beginning a 1500-km flight with a plane speed of 1000 km/h, they will need to head 15° west of south to maintain a southward course. With a flight time of 100 minutes, the wind velocity is calculated to be approximately 267 kmh^-1.
  • #1
negation
818
0

Homework Statement



You’re a pilot beginning a 1500-km flight. Your plane’s speed is 1000 km/h, and air traffic control says you’ll have to head 15° west of south to maintain a southward course. If the flight takes 100 min, what’s the wind velocity?

The Attempt at a Solution



veffective south = vactual + vwind

veffective south = 1500kmh^-1 / 1.667hr = ( 0, -900kmh^-1 )

vactual = (1000kmh^-1 cos 255, 1000kmh^-1 sin 255) = (-258.82kmh^-1 , -965.93kmh^-1)

vwind = veffective south - vactual

therefore

(0, -900kmh^-1 ) - (-258,82kmh^-1, -965.93kmh^-1)
= (258.82kmh^-1 , 65.93kmh^-1)
= |vwind| = SQRT [ (258.82kmh^-1)^2 + (65.93kmh^-1) ^2]
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
I think you should punch the final numbers in your calculator, take the square root, and come up with one number for the answer.
 
  • #3
SteamKing said:
I think you should punch the final numbers in your calculator, take the square root, and come up with one number for the answer.

The answer is 267kmh^-1
 
  • #4
I confirm that answer.
 
  • #5

= 268.69 kmh^-1

Based on the given information, it can be determined that the wind velocity during the flight is approximately 268.69 km/h. This calculation takes into account the plane's speed, heading, and flight time, and uses vector addition to determine the wind velocity.
 

Related to Wind velocity and aircraft (answer check)

1. What is the significance of wind velocity in aircraft?

Wind velocity plays a critical role in aircraft operations as it affects the speed, direction, and stability of the aircraft. Pilots must take into account wind velocity when planning their flight route and making adjustments during the flight to ensure safe and efficient travel.

2. How does wind velocity affect an aircraft's speed and fuel efficiency?

Headwinds, or winds blowing against the direction of flight, can decrease an aircraft's groundspeed and increase fuel consumption. On the other hand, tailwinds, or winds blowing in the direction of flight, can increase groundspeed and decrease fuel consumption. Therefore, wind velocity can have a significant impact on an aircraft's speed and fuel efficiency.

3. Can wind velocity cause turbulence during a flight?

Yes, wind velocity can cause turbulence during a flight. Strong winds, especially in mountainous or coastal areas, can create turbulence as they pass over and around terrain. Pilots are trained to navigate through turbulence, but it can still be uncomfortable for passengers.

4. How do pilots account for wind velocity during takeoff and landing?

Pilots must consider wind velocity during takeoff and landing to ensure a safe and smooth departure and arrival. They use wind charts and their aircraft's performance data to calculate the required runway length, takeoff and landing speeds, and adjustments needed to compensate for crosswinds.

5. Can wind velocity affect the safety of an aircraft during flight?

Yes, strong and unpredictable winds can pose a safety hazard to aircraft. Severe turbulence caused by high wind velocity can damage the aircraft or injure passengers and crew. Pilots must monitor weather reports and make necessary adjustments to their flight plan to avoid dangerous wind conditions.

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