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A plane emerges directly in front of you from a cloud bank, flying towards your position at a speed of 120 kt. You’re closing in from the opposite direction at 60 kt, with only 3 NM separating you. If neither aircraft alters course, what is the total closing speed and how long until a potential collision?

  • A

    180 kt, 60 seconds

  • B

    120 kt, 2 minutes

  • C

    120 kt, 1 minute

  • D

    180 kt, 45 seconds

Aircraft A (you): 60 kt
Aircraft B (opposite direction): 120 kt
Distance apart: 3 NM
Head-on situation

Step 1: Calculate Combined Closing Speed

Since you are heading directly towards each other, the closing speed is:

  • 60 kt + 120 kt = 180 kt

Step 2: Time to Impact

Now, time = distance / speed

Time to impact = 3 NM ÷ 180 kt = 3/180 hours

Convert to minutes = (3/180) x 60 min = 1 minute or 60 seconds

Your Notes (not visible to others)



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  • Romania
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