Jet Stream

The location of the jet stream varies greatly during the year. However during the winter in the northern hemisphere the polar jet is generally located near 40 to 50 degrees latitudes north and found at elevations at 30,000 to 40,000 feet. Wind speeds vary but can be into 150 to 200 mph range and the  winds generally blow from west to east. If the airplane is flying with this strong tailwind (winds blow from west to east plane travels from west to east) this can reduce fuel usage and the travel time. In fact one international  flight was able to reduce flight time by one third. However for flights across the US would be reduced on the order of 30 minutes to 60 minutes if flying with this tailwind.

Finally, clear air turbulence which is caused by windshear is sometimes associated with the jet stream or just underneath the jet. Future articles will discuss this in great detail. Please contact on this blog or visit our web site at http://www.aviationweatherlaw.com/