You are here:

Aerospace/Aviation/AIR TRAVEL RELATIVE TO THE EARTH'S ROTATION

Advertisement

Expert: Christopher McKenna - 11/12/2008


Question
If a plane flies west to east how does it make any progress if the earth is rotating around its axis at a greater speed? what am I missing?

Answer
For the same reason you land in the same place when you jump straight up. The aircraft, while leaving the surface of the earth, is still part of a closed system. the aircraft is still basically attached to the earth's surface, and the rotation has no effect on it. At least, that is my understanding. A physics expert may be able to give you a better answer. Thanks for writing!

Aerospace/Aviation

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Christopher McKenna

Expertise

I can answer questions about general air traffic control, specific questions about Chicago Center ATC, legal questions regarding FARs(although they may take some time to research).

Experience

I have been an air traffic controller since 1984, at Albany, NY tower, NY Center, and Chicago Center. I have been an attorney since 1992.

Organizations
National Air Traffic Controllers Association(NATCA)

Education/Credentials
BS, Philosophy, SUNY. JD, Northern Illinois Univ. Various FAA training courses pertaining to air traffic control.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.