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> What would it be like on the westbound leg, I wondered — a longer flight, from a shorter runway, in the face of winter headwinds? Wouldn't colder (denser) ai
by ljosa 7y ago
> What would it be like on the westbound leg, I wondered — a longer flight, from a shorter runway, in the face of winter headwinds?
Wouldn't colder (denser) air and a headwind make the plane require less runway?
- jcampbell1 7y agoI think he is referring to the jet stream at altitude, which is stronger during the winter.
- phumbe 7y agoThe author isn’t worried about the takeoff speed in that quote; he’s thinking about the increased duration of the flight as stiff winter headwinds (at cruising altitude) decrease the aircraft’s groundspeed. Prevailing surface wind direction doesn’t vary much with season.
- jessaustin 7y agoA longer flight against with headwinds will require more fuel. Taking off with more fuel from a shorter runway will require the pilot to inflict even more bare-knuckling violence on the passengers.