How does this work?

[Jon]

I must be dumb as I always thought LA was basically above the equator and New Zealand was at the bottom of the world. So how come flights will be quicker from NZ to LA by going over the North Pole?

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10775246

 

[DarisMulkin]

cause after you hit the pole you are falling down hill.

Daris

 

[Jon]

cause after you hit the pole you are falling down hill.

Daris

But why do they want to go up to the pole to come back?
Help me out highup

 

[Jon]

Found a map but is going the wrong way Its shorter flying to the right instead of going to the left as in the picture
It is nowhere near the top of the world around the North Pole to LA

 

[highup]

But why do they want to go up to the pole to come back?
Help me out highup

It's called the slingshot effect.
Either that, or there is an international rule for airplanes to fly in one direction only.

 

[Jon]

I read it again and I think they can now fly a more direct flight instead of zig zagging between islands on the way from NZ to LA
Not going over the North Pole after all


"Chief pilot David Morgan said the rules meant an aeroplane was able to fly a more direct route between two cities, which was good for the environment."