Dear Tom,
I once took a December flight from St. Louis (STL) to Midway Airport (MDW) and it took only 15 to 20 minutes because, the pilot said, we were able to fly with the jet stream. My co-workers say no way. May I ask who is right?
— George Gingras, Crown Point, Ind.
Dear George,
Retired United Airlines Capt. Phil Rider, who lives in Mundelein, agrees with your co-workers.
He said, “I find it hard to believe they made STL to MDW in 15 to 20 minutes,” and he offers a few reasons. “As I recall, you might get to 24,000 feet or so on that route, well below the jet core of 35,000 to 37,000 feet in winter. Aircraft are required to maintain a speed of 250 knots (288 m.p.h.) or less below 10,000 feet. And upon takeoff, you have to allow several minutes for acceleration to peak speed, then several minutes more for deceleration to landing speed.”
Rider concludes, “I could find it possible to do STL to MDW, liftoff to touchdown, in 35 or 40 minutes with a good wind and the cooperation of air traffic control.”
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