MINIMUM TIME TRACK DATA IN AIRWAYS DESIGN FOR THE NEW YORK-LONDON AIR ROUTE. PART I-MINIMUM TIME TRACK CHARACTERISTICS-SUMMER SEASON. PARTII-TIME PENALTIES USING ALTERNATE TRACK TO THE MINIMUM TIME TRACK-WINTER AND SUMMER SEASON

Part I of this study investigates the feasibility of utilizing minimum time tracks in airways design for the New York-London air route during the summer season. Two altitude-air speed combinations are considered: 18,000 ft at 250 knots and 30,000 ft at 500 knots. Utilizing a data sample of 400 minimum time tracks, taken from the five summer seasons of 1956 through 1960, the geographical range, distributions, and characteristic track configuration are delineated for each of the altitude-air speed combinations. Flight-time savings accruing from the use of minimum time tracks rather than the great circle track are also given. Part II investigates the time penalty and added route distance incurred on the New York-London air route by utilizing alternate tracks displaced at distances of 60, 120 and 180 nautical miles from the minimum time tracks. (Author)