While planes do fly over water, they generally try to minimize the time spent doing so due to several factors. Let's examine why:
Weather Considerations
The primary reason planes try to avoid prolonged flights over water is the increased risk of encountering severe weather. According to available information:
- Storms are more common over the ocean than on land. This means a higher chance of turbulence, heavy rain, and other adverse conditions that can affect flight safety.
- The Pacific Ocean, in particular, is known for stormy weather and frequent lightning strikes. This makes it a potentially hazardous area for aircraft.
Safety and Emergency Concerns
While modern aircraft are equipped to handle various situations, certain risks are amplified when flying over water.
- Emergency Landing: If a plane experiences a mechanical issue over water, the options for emergency landing are significantly limited. Landing on water ("ditching") is a risky procedure, and survival rates can be lower compared to a land-based emergency landing.
- Search and Rescue: In the event of an accident, search and rescue operations over water are more challenging and time-consuming than on land. This can impact the chances of survival for passengers and crew.
- Distance to Airports: Overwater routes may take planes further from potential landing sites compared to over-land alternatives.
Efficiency and Route Planning
Airlines aim to optimize flight routes for both time and fuel efficiency.
- Great Circle Routes: Sometimes, the shortest distance between two points (a "great circle route") involves flying over water. However, airlines must weigh this against weather risks and other factors.
- Wind Patterns: Jet streams and other wind patterns can influence flight routes. Airlines may choose routes that utilize favorable winds, even if it means flying over land instead of water.
Summary
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Weather | Storms and lightning strikes are more frequent over water. |
| Emergency Landing | Limited options for safe emergency landings. |
| Search and Rescue | More challenging and time-consuming over water. |
| Route Optimization | Balancing distance with weather and wind patterns. |
In conclusion, while planes do fly over water, various factors such as increased risk of storms, limited emergency landing options, and search and rescue challenges, often lead airlines to minimize the time spent over large bodies of water when possible.
