| If your classroom has a large wall map of the world, pull it down
and locate the cities of New York in the United States and Paris, France
in Europe. New York is located at 41N/74W, and Paris is located at
49N/2E. If you do not have a wall map, use the world map found in your
social studies textbook or any other flat map of the world.
|
| |
| In May 1927 Charles Lindbergh made the first solo non-stop flight
from New York to Paris. This was a very dangerous flight to undertake in
1927. Aviation was new and airplane engines were not very
dependable at that time. Also, the aircraft themselves were slow and
could not fly long distances without refueling. As a result, it was
critical that Lindbergh fly as close to the shortest route as possible
between New York and Paris to enable him to successfully complete the
trip.
|
| |
On a flat map of the world, draw, or try to visualize, the shortest
route between New York and Paris. Would this route on the flat map take
you over any major islands in the Atlantic Ocean?
(1.) ________ Yet, when Lindbergh made his trip, he flew over the island
of Newfoundland in Canada. Newfoundland is located at 48N/57W. On the
flat map, this would appear to be out of his way if he wanted to fly the
shortest route. Why do you think he flew a route that took him over
Newfoundland? (2.) __________________________
|
| |
| Your globe can help explain this mystery. Use the globe's mounting
ring to draw a great circle route between New York and Paris. Did the
route take you over Newfoundland? (3.) ________ As you can see, a
straight line on a flat map is not always the shortest distance between
two locations. Do some research on great circle routes if you need
additional clarification.
|
| |
| How long is the great circle distance between New York and Paris?
(4.) _________________ If it took Lindbergh approximately 33.5 hours to
make his trip, what was his average speed during his journey? (5.)
_____________________________ How long would it take a modern jet
airliner to fly this route? (6.) _____________________
|
| |
What compass direction would an airplane be headed at the beginning
of this flight?
(7.) ____________
What direction would the plane be headed near the end of the flight?
(8.) _____________
|
