Two identical Aircraft take off at exactly the same time from an airfield conveniantly situated in an African country exactly on the equator. The time/date is 12.30pm on 31st December 2012. Aircraft
A flies exactly due West, Aircraft
B flies exactly due East. Both aircraft have sufficient fuel on board to fly around the world without landing or refueling. Both aircraft fly at a constant 650mph (speed through the air). Wind is not an issue for either aircraft as they both fly high enough to be unaffected by it. Both aircraft fly at a constant 50,000ft when cruising. Both aircraft ascend/descend from/to cruising speed/altitude at the same rate. The ascent/descent takes 15 minutes each way, and the aircraft travel 50 miles to gain/lose altitude at the start/end of their journies.. Both aircraft will avoid any potential collision without substantially altering their course.
The given the circumferance of the Earth at sea level on the equator is 24,901.5 miles. Both planes complete a full flight around the world, in different directions.
Which plane lands back at the airfield in Africa first?
What is the approximate date/time of the landing?
What is the approximate date/time of the second plane landing?
What is the time difference between the planes landing?
Which plane uses least fuel?
don't forget this guy...
Something to get you thinking..........
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