Question

In flying the rectangular course, when would the aircraft be turned less than 90°?

1) When the wind speed is high
2) When the aircraft is flying at a low altitude
3) When the aircraft is flying at a high altitude
4) When the aircraft is flying at a constant speed

Answer 1

The aircraft would turn less than 90° when flying the rectangular course if the wind speed is high, as this significantly affects the aircraft's ground track.

Step-by-step explanation:

In flying the rectangular course, the scenario in which an aircraft would turn less than 90° occurs when dealing with high wind speeds. Wind speed has a direct effect on the aircraft's heading and total velocity, necessitating adjustments in the angle of the turn to maintain the course. For instance, when a plane is facing a crosswind, the pilot must make a tighter turn (less than 90°) on the downwind leg to correct for wind drift and remain on course. High wind speed disrupts the plane's intended path, requiring compensation to ensure that the ground track of the aircraft aligns with the rectangular course, which is especially true in the pattern around an airport where the rectangular course is applied.

Contrary to what might seem intuitive, flying at different altitudes or at a constant speed is not directly related to the need to turn less than 90°. Air mass movement, or wind, is the most significant variable that must be accounted for when calculating course adjustments. This can be illustrated by examples such as the calculation of the angle an airplane must fly relative to the air mass to have a velocity parallel to the runway when landing, as depicted in the provided figures and problems.