How do I calculate the necessary speed and direction for a plane to offset wind?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the necessary speed and direction for a plane to offset the effects of wind while maintaining a specific bearing. The problem involves a pilot needing to fly at a speed of 600 km/hr on a bearing of 240 degrees, with wind blowing from the west at 60 km/hr.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the interpretation of bearings and the application of relative velocity formulas. There are attempts to calculate the necessary adjustments to speed and direction, with some questioning the accuracy of their methods and results.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to solve the problem, with some participants providing calculations and others seeking clarification on the diagram and the underlying concepts. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or final answer, but guidance on using trigonometric functions and the Pythagorean theorem has been offered.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating potential misunderstandings regarding the definition of bearings and the effects of wind on flight direction. There is also mention of a diagram that may aid in visualizing the problem, though its explanation is still pending.

Charles C
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I know that this should be simple, but I really can't find out how to do this:
A pilot needs to fly at 600km/hr on a bearing of 240 degrees to be on time and on course. A wind is blowing from the west at 60km/hr. In what direction and at what speed should she fly her plane to offset the effect of the wind?

One question I have is when it says "on a bearing of 240 degrees", do you count clockwise or counterclockwise?

I will greatly appreciate any help.

Eh, I think I posted in the wrong area, feel free to to move this.
 
Last edited:
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Bearings are generally given as the angle that is measured clockwise from north. Now you can use the formula for relative velocity.
 
Could you explain the diagram?
 
the speed of the plane is 600, so 600sin30 is 300 and 600cos30 is 519.6. The wind coming from the west is 60, so to compensate for that, I add the 60 to the 300 and get 360. Then I use the Pythagorean theorem to get 632.
Actually, I think I may have done it wrong cause I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to get a different angle.
 
You have to compenste by adding 60 to 600*cos 30. Then you'll get the correct answer.
 
Shooting star said:
You have to compenste by adding 60 to 600*cos 30. Then you'll get the correct answer.
So it would be 652.64 with theta=30?
 
I'm leaving that to you. You know how to multiply. I have to do something now.
 
Quite correct. Now find the angle in which the plane has to go.
 

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