Relative Velocity

Question 1

Relative velocity is based on the aircraft’s -

Answer 1

groundspeed

Question 2

Speed opening describes -

Answer 2

the relative velocity of two aircraft flying one behind the other in the same direction.

Question 3

Speed closing describes -

Answer 3

the relative velocity of two aircraft approaching each other on the same track.

Question 4

Aircraft A is travelling at a speed of 180knots. Aircraft B is travelling at 130kts.

Both approaching each other.

The distance between the two are 350nm, a long before the aircraft pass each other?

Answer 4

This will be speed of closing.

130 + 180 = 310knots.

350 / 310 = 1.12 hours, or 1 hour and 7 minutes.

The aircraft will pass each other after 1 hour at 7 minutes.

Question 5

Where a reduction in speed is necessary to delay arrival at a particular point, the following formula can be used(speed reduction).

Answer 5

Distance out = Delay (in minutes) x Old GS x New GS / 60 x Difference in groundspeeds