Question

A plane is maintaining a 90◦ heading at 40◦ N latitude, with an air speed of 580 miles per hour. the cruise control is engaged, using a pressure altimeter while over the Ocean. The altimeter is set for a sea level pressure 1013 hPa and keeps an indicated altitude of 37,500 feet. At the start of a 1 hour period the radar altimeter, which provides the actual distance above the surface, shows 36,750 feet. At the end of the 1 hour period, the radar altimeter shows 34,200 feet. Assuming purely geostrophic flow, what direction and about how far has the plane drifted from its course.

Answer 1