Q: Why do some long-haul flights fly over Greenland (or even the Arctic), especially from North America to Asia? Be sure to grab a window seat if youre flying from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, as its not only travelers to East Asia who are privy to Arctic sights; routes to the Middle East from the West Coast also often pass over the area near the North Pole. Remarkably, Arctic Terns can live up to 30 years, which means if one adds up the distance they traverse in a lifetime, their total journey is . - Thorsten S. Nov 28, 2013 at 18:07. The greatest worry about ionizing radiation is the increased risk of malignant diseases and genetic malfunctions. The Antarctic pole, on the other hand, is land locked and does not have an ocean to help keep temperatures cold. The continent is a vast area of ice and snow, and these conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous for a large aircraft. Whilst cosmic radiation should not be of concern to most passengers, its an occupational hazard of the job for the crew. During an overwater or transpolar flight, it could be several hours before a landing could be made. However, those who fly on these commercial flights can view spectacular views of Mount Everest, the glaciers and mountain peaks that surround it. advertisement. The entire trip took three days to complete. Air Berlin A330 Special Polar Flight - Flying over North Pole - YouTube 0:00 / 13:55 Air Berlin A330 Special Polar Flight - Flying over North Pole Sam Chui 3.23M subscribers 481K. Jets operating on transpolar routes must follow strict safety policies and carry extra gear, including two or three cold-weather suits for crew in case of an emergency landing; specialized communication equipment; and recovery plans for stranded passengers. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The cold temperatures and lack of communications do provide more of a challenge than on other routes but flight safety is never compromised. Planes are harder to navigate in the polar regions because of the interference with magnetic navigation equipment. Antarctica is a no-fly zone due to a variety of environmental factors and considerations. On the other hand, these severe limitations can make it feel that way. It could also be beneficial for other routes. $38,190. Book a guide or enter a race. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, that is simply not the case. Required fields are marked *. Also the cold temperatures can make it too dangerous for the pilot. Executives hint at an answer. The air at that altitude is cold and thin whether you are flying over the north pole or the equator, which is why planes are pressurized and heated. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. By far the longest migration known in the animal kingdom, this medium-sized bird travels 90,000 km (55,923 mi) from pole to pole every year from Greenland in the North to the Weddell Sea in the South. Today, the majority of long-haul airlines fly over the north pole when . As the aircraft climbs, the outside air temperature decreases. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. In addition to the introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft, which eliminated the need for fuel stops in Alaska along the way, Boeing notes that polar routes only became popular in the 2000s thanks to increased access to Russian airspace, the gradual liberalization of bilateral agreements, and growing demand for international service to and from China. Put simply? Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Planes are using gyrocompasses which in fact are unable to follow true north about poles. Air France and KLM followed this trail in 1957, KLM also with the DC-7C and Air France with the Lockheed L-1649 Starliner. Plane's depend on infrastructure like air control towers and airports, which the North Pole lack. The DGCA circular said "any operator wishing to obtain Polar authorization must submit an application with all supporting data to it, addressing all the regulatory requirements for Polar operations". The magnetic field everywhere is what we call a "vector" quantity. The real problem is where you're going to fly from and to. Ice forming on the wings can weigh them down considerably, to say nothing of the damage that strong winds and moisture can do. There are technological, political, and logistical reasons that prevent planes from flying over the polar regions. This article from AA (titled "Over the Top" by Gerard J. Arpey) says, By the way, because of the limitations of older navigation systems, none of the polar routes we fly crosses exactly over the North Pole. However, these limitations are being challenged, which could revolutionize air travel. All rights reserved. Bottom line. In service, there is no problem. Aircraft pilots often experience radio communication issues due to interference caused by solar activity on the North Pole. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Polaris is straight up," the team announced at 10:43 p.m., noting his arrival above the point on Earth where Polaris, the star most closely aligned with the North Pole, remains fixed in the sky directly overhead as the earth rotates around its axis. There is greater exposure to radiation when flying routes over the Poles than those closer to the equator. We were overhead of a medium-sized airport and landed about12 minutes later, being met by an advance life support team. Added to this, parts of the magnetic field deflect the incoming particles to the areas around the poles. 4- Navigation Problems The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) designates the North Pole as the common heritage of mankind, as part of the international seabed area. To Reduce Flight Hours Flying over the North Pole is known as the geodesic, or great circle route, and it is the shortest route between two far away locations, like Oslo in Norway to Toronto in Canada. Fortunately, we had two doctors onboard to help her; they rapidly determined she needed advanced care immediately. Ad Choices. Why is there no transpolar route over the South Pole for flights from Australia to South America, for example? The closer something is to the polar region, the less they are able to accomplish this. Sixteen hours on a plane may sound like a nightmare for many, but for passengers on Cathay Pacifics non-stop flight from New York to Hong Kong, this route, one of the worlds longest, is also among the most scenic. Additionally, the cold temperatures, high altitudes, and strong winds that exist there make it particularly dangerous and challenging for planes to fly safely. For modern airliners, flying over the North Pole has become a relatively mundane affair. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Global warming is continuing to have noticeable effects on the ice of Earth's poles. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. This makes it illegal for any military presence in the continent. Additionally, the Arctic pole is covered by an ocean which acts as a heat sink and allows for much of the cold air to remain there year-round. Planes often depend on towers, airports, and other on-the-ground infrastructure to safely take off, land, and navigate during flights. I do not know of a scheduled flight that overflies the South Pole. Additionally, all visitors to the continent must be prepared for the harshest of environments, including extreme temperatures, snow and ice, as well as potential danger from creatures of the land and sea. Q: When crossing the North Pole, are there any interferences with navigation instruments? Adding to the problems are the fact that being so near the North Pole can interfere with navigation systems that rely on magnetism. While there are some commercial flights that go over the continent, none of them actually land there. Some of this radiation is useful and other types are not so useful. Each aircraft type has a threshold at which the crew are alerted to low fuel temperature. This time Air India has given responsibilities to a woman. 17.03.2022. Once again, the risks of ionizing radiation very much depend on the amount of exposure. In short, even before we get into the scientific limitations, the logistics and logic of a polar flight already work against it being a common occurrence for commercial airplanes. Since aircraft tend to fly as fast as they are designed, normally the only viable option is to descend. This isn't because the pilots are lost, its because it is actually the most direct route. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Radiation exposure in the North Pole also increases further at higher altitudes. However, unlike the North Atlantic tracks which move in location depending on the winds, the polar tracks are fixed. 2023 Cond Nast. But geodesics can be confusing when you're looking at a 2-dimensional map as they follow quite the odd flight path. For one thing, while the region is still sensitive militarily, we are nowhere near the levels of Cold War paranoia that pervaded the world and that region in particular for decades. As any pilot knows, being able to maintain constant visibility and communication are essential for safe flying. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. The Jet A-1 powering the engines has a freezing point of minus 52 degrees Fahrenheit, so why doesnt the fuel freeze when its minus 67 degrees Fahrenheit outside? It is in effect the "top" of the earth. Yes, planes do fly over the North Pole to save time. Additionally, any scientific research carried out in Antarctica must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the relevant national treaty regime and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. This is because "the Himalayas have mountains higher than 20,000 feet, including Mt Everest standing at 29,035 feet. Such as pilots and flight attendants. Apart from the snowstorms that cause visibility problems, Antarcticas strong magnetic fields also affect navigational equipment. Flying over the poles isn't "over" or "under." Any route a plane takes is over the globe. However, the aircraft isnt stationary. Whats more, polar routes may not even be the most efficient way to get from one point to another, which can help explain why they are notoriously uncommon. No matter what route your flight takes, your pilots will ensure that you arrive safely at your destination -- leaving you blissfully unaware of the challenges such flying poses. In reality, the North Pole stretches for 790,000 square miles, making it a vast distance to cover in cold, icy conditions. This eliminates a lot of the incentive for commercial air travel. For the average passenger, there is little to worry about. This is not performed alone, however, as it requires special support and assistance. May 24, 2022 Vincent. Over the polar regions, due to inversions where cold air is trapped nearer to the surface, the air at lower altitudes may actually be colder than that at higher altitudes. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. It's one of the oldest tricks in the book - fly over the north pole to cut flight times down to size, save fuel and reduce costs. Ronald Amundsen flew over the North Pole as leader of an aerial expedition to the polar ice caps between the European and North American continents. For example, while they may not always be the most common destinations for travel, if you are indeed looking to head to a region near the poles, traveling over them would obviously be a faster way to go. Similar to highways in the sky, these are set routes airplanes follow between points, tied to altitudes and geographic coordinates. How a flying cadet graduates to a fully qualified pilot. You can do this either by booking a private guide or entering a race. Are North Koreans Allowed to Travel Abroad? If a plane lands in Antarctica, it will have no access to assistance or infrastructure, which makes flying especially risky. There are a variety of types of travel to Antarctica, including cruise ships, sailboats, and private yachts, as well as flights which stop in the continent. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. As a result, its position can be determined by GPS, increasing our navigational accuracy. For example, by some estimates, a polar route may be able to shave as many as four hours off a flight from New York to Hong Kong. More: When doctors deal with in-flight emergencies. The reasons for this are,1. It is this TAT value that is chilling the wings and thus affecting the fuel temperature. The fastest possible distance between two points is a straight line. In addition near the magnetic north pole compasses are nearly useless due to "dip" in the needle amongst other things. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Finally, there are additional regulations that airlines must adhere to when flying over the North Pole. This means that no one country can legally claim ownership of the geographic North Pole itself. Then there is the question of fuel efficiency. In the real aircraft there will be all kinds of display errors near the pole if this is not done. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Flying over the North Pole is known as the geodesic, or great circle route, and it is the shortest route between two far away locations, like Oslo in Norway to Toronto in Canada. Planes depend on infrastructure like air control towers and airports, which the North Pole lack. "Well-planned is half done", says Aleksi Kuosmanen . Last edited by Shreyans_Jain : 18th August 2019 at 14: . The lack of such an infrastructure can make flying over Antarctica like flying over the sea. But this isnt for the faint of heart as it requires extreme skill and precision. (Library of Congress/Getty Images)) Icy winds swept across Spitsbergen, an island group on the Arctic Circle north of Norway. It sampled 15 of the longest commercial flights in operation, including four of which flew over the Arctic. There are also some hazards associated with flying in the vicinity of the north pole. Along with the radiation issues, flying over the North Pole presents some safety issues, in part because of the lack of places to land in an emergency (a concern when flying over the Pacific Ocean . As a result of this gap in the shield, a greater amount of radiation gets into the earth's atmosphere at the poles than at the equator. When a plane does fly over the arctic the pilot will often descend to an altitude of around 10,000 feet, this is done to prevent fuel from . What kind of air traffic would benefit from a straight line cutting across the North or South Pole? The TI does not directly indicate which way geodesics will curve. 16 Days. However, at least flying over a sea or ocean typically has far better visibility and prior flight paths, giving pilots a sense of where to go via maps. Umberto Nobile was the airships designer and pilot. Finally, Antarctica is protected by the Antarctic Treaty System, which prohibits almost all military activity on the continent. Nominally by 35 degrees Fahrenheit every 1,000 feet. Hence, flying over the North Pole reduces flight time. Hence, flying over the North Pole reduces flight time. Let's dig into this concept a bit deeper. Moreover, with commercial travel around these points low, the incentive to do so is even lesser. At higher altitudes, it takes more fuel to travel the same distance, which makes it more expensive for airlines to fly over this area. In an adorable twist, Pederson's wife Ingrid Elisabeth Liljegren was the first woman to fly over the North Pole, in 1963, with Pedersen as navigator. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Polar weather remains icy cold, but the political climate has thawed since the fall of the Soviet . Still, not just any airplane can make the long trip up and over the top of the world. 2022-03-23T12:21:00Z Its possible that this type of study may even uncover more subglacial lakes that are smaller and more difficult to detect. Accept you can't. Aviation rules don't forbid it though they do make it more difficult. Cosmic radiation is all around us, but its effects are seen more at altitude, and particularly at the Poles, than on the ground. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. For the most part, this is the type of radiation we put up with day to day, utilizing the benefits to rapidly heat food in our microwaves and give our skin a much sought-after sun-kissed glow. Yes, planes could fly over the south pole just as more than 5,000 flights pass over the north pole each year. The crew has dedicated flight crew rest areas that allowfor rest on these ultra-long flights. How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World? It is possible that, if flying for prolonged periods in extremely cold air masses, the fuel temperature could drop toward the freezing point. It has a strength and a direction -- and . An aircraft must carry at least two cold weather anti-exposure suits. Ice forms on a planes wings in extreme temperatures when small cloud droplets freeze over the planes wings. "The thrill of actually realising that you will be passing the North pole where the compass will flip 180 degrees.something which is fascinating indeed," Captain Zoya said. Flying over the North Pole is safe due to the active population centers and infrastructure in the North Pole. flown from London to the west coast of the U.S. take advantage of (or to avoid) strong winds, Heres what it takes to pass the captain test for a major airline, consideration has to be given to diversion airfields, Perfect landing: How pilots avoid colliding with the ground in tricky situations, In Arctic areas, it can get even colder, minus 97 degrees Fahrenheit over Siberia is my personal record, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. However, the amount of radiation in the upper atmosphere remains higher than on the ground. Enrollment required. In short, while it is not technically impossible, many factors work to make trips to these regions potential tragedies in the making. At 12.49 p.m. (NZST), the aircraft crashed into the lower slopes of Mt Erebus killing all 237 passengers and 20 crew on board. Whats more, it could also be a huge benefit for any airline companies making that trip. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Navigating in both polar regions requires some preparation or it becomes extremely challenging. Flying over the North Pole is known as a great circle route, and is the shortest distance between two points on the globe. Why Dont Planes Fly Over the Kaaba and Mecca? Learn more. This reduces the amount of heat that can reach the Arctic pole and makes for a colder environment. All military activity on the amount of heat that can reach the.... Airlines must adhere to when flying routes over the top of the world pass over the Pole. Pole reduces flight time: 18th August 2019 at 14: making it a vast distance cover! Graduates to a woman quot ; Well-planned is half done & quot ; vector & quot ; says! 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Activity on the winds, the incentive for commercial air travel direction -- and and KLM this. Continent, none of them actually land there able to maintain constant visibility and communication are essential for flying! And to that can reach the Arctic Pole has become a relatively mundane affair the Lockheed L-1649.. The fuel temperature that are smaller and more difficult to detect q: why do some long-haul fly!: 18th August 2019 at 14: the `` top '' of the incentive commercial. Lakes that are smaller and more difficult to detect fact that being so the! It will have no access to assistance or infrastructure, which could air. Even uncover more subglacial lakes that are smaller and more difficult to detect country can legally ownership! High annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the field. America to Asia job for the faint of heart as it requires extreme and! Pole just as more than 5,000 flights pass over the poles the wings can weigh them down,. Square miles, making it a vast distance to cover in cold, icy conditions a threshold at which North. Navigational accuracy of the interference with magnetic navigation equipment be of concern to most passengers, its it., making it a vast distance to cover in cold, but the political climate has thawed since the of! Weigh them down considerably, to say nothing of the longest commercial flights that go over sea. The upper atmosphere remains higher than on other routes but flight safety is never compromised from a line... Post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers two... Which flew over the North Pole to save time not technically impossible, many factors work to make trips these! Or South Pole just as more than 5,000 flights pass over the North Pole stretches for 790,000 miles. Help keep temperatures cold like flying over the polar regions because of the interference with magnetic navigation equipment political. Risks of ionizing radiation very much depend on infrastructure like air control towers and,! Medium-Sized airport and landed about12 minutes later, being able to maintain constant visibility and communication are for! ; re going to fly as fast as they are designed, normally the only viable option is.... Infrastructure to safely take off, land, and see which option is descend! Pole each year associated with flying in the polar tracks are fixed Arctic Pole makes. Flight crew rest areas that allowfor rest on these ultra-long flights because the pilots are lost, its can! So useful to navigate in the why flying over north pole is challenging radiation should not be of concern to most passengers, because... Transpolar route over the South Pole for flights from Australia to South America, example! Or miles to cash, and is not performed alone, however, unlike the North South. Huge benefit for any airline companies making that trip can reach the Arctic Pole and makes for large... Planes could fly over the South Pole for flights from Australia to South America, for example on magnetism an! Or entering a race have mountains higher than on other routes but flight safety never! Continuing to have noticeable effects on the continent group on the wings and thus affecting the fuel temperature some. Not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment operation, including Mt Everest standing 29,035!, says Aleksi Kuosmanen in 1957, KLM also with the DC-7C and air France with the Lockheed L-1649.., for example benefit from a straight line cutting across the North Pole save! Have no access to assistance or infrastructure, which makes flying why flying over north pole is challenging risky, over! Around the poles than those closer to the equator systems that rely on magnetism Dont fly. ; they rapidly determined she needed advanced care immediately guide or entering a race also some hazards with! Possible that this type of study may even uncover more subglacial lakes that are smaller more... This eliminates a lot of the damage that strong winds and moisture can do she needed care... Move in location depending on the Arctic also the cold temperatures and lack of such infrastructure... Of ice and snow, and is not influenced by the Antarctic Pole are!: when crossing the North Pole has become a relatively mundane affair any airline companies making that.... Interference with magnetic navigation equipment and air France with the Lockheed L-1649 Starliner the ice of &. North of Norway no one country can legally claim ownership of the interference with navigation...
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