Ask the Captain: The challenges of transpolar flights

Q: How often are transpolar routes utilized today, and why were they a big deal when first introduced? Why is there no transpolar route over the South Pole for flights from Australia to South America, for example?

— Ric Guy, Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

A:  Transpolar routes are increasingly used. They save time and cost on flights from North America and Europe to Asia.

There are numerous challenges to flying transpolar. The lack of airports for diversions, extreme weather and navigation challenges are a few of the considerations. As airlines became more experienced, these challenges became more routine. Now transpolar routes are common.

Flying over Antarctica is even more remote, and the demand is lower. Only four-engine airplanes could fly such a route because of the diversion airport requirement for twin-engine airplanes. I do not know of a scheduled flight that overflies the South Pole.

Q: When crossing the North Pole, are there any interferences with navigation instruments?                

— William, New York

A:  No, flight management computers are rigorously tested for any issues crossing the North or South Pole or the international dateline. In service, there is no problem.

Q: Why do some long-haul flights fly over Greenland (or even the Arctic), especially from North America to Asia?                 

— John Smith, Vancouver

A:  Some routes from North America fly over or near the North Pole because it is faster than flying the traditional tracks to Asia.

Q: There is an Emirates Airbus 380 flight that flies from Dubai to Los Angeles. Flight time is about 16 hours. It takes off and heads north over the polar cap. However, some days it then turns east, and some days it turns west. Presumably, the distance is about the same, but what factors would dictate which way it flies?  Also, on such a long flight, what would the flight crew consist of, and how would they divide up the responsibilities so the crew gets proper rest?

— Dominic Hughes, Liverpool, England

A:  The wind would be a major consideration, as would any airspace congestion.

The crew has dedicated flight crew rest areas that allow for rest on these ultra-long flights. Two pilots are always on duty, and they divide the duties to ensure both are involved in the navigation and communication requirements.

Q: What happens in air when there is a medical emergency? If passengers need immediate care, how quickly can/would a plane land?                

— Sydney, Minneapolis

A:  It depends on where the event happens.

I had a passenger experience a severe medical issue on a flight to Florida. Fortunately, we had two doctors onboard to help her; they rapidly determined she needed advanced care immediately. We were overhead of a medium-sized airport and landed about 12 minutes later, being met by an advance life support team. We did everything we could to get her to medical care safely and quickly. I do not think it could be done much faster.

During an overwater or transpolar flight, it could be several hours before a landing could be made.

More:When doctors deal with in-flight emergencies

John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.