Not a planefagger myself but ran into something the other day and wanted to bring it to the team's attention -

Working PF posted with a mention of a possible balloon as an aircraft type based on some factors (can't recall them noaw) but it didn't look right to me based on airspeed.

The target in question was above 14k (aka Flight Level or FL140) and going north at 230kts somewhere in the midwest (southern Iowa iirc).

I know you guys have to interpret the data and sometimes have to present speculation based on your logic and experience, and i have no issue whatsoever with that.

The reason why i disagreed kindly with PF is that the prevailing jetstream in that area is unlikely to be pushing aircraft northbound (meaning from about 345 to 015 heading.)

Air currents CAN push aircraft to some high speeds - i had a transcon flight arrive almost 2 hous early due to fat tailwinds one time. But it's not likely to veer far off the prevailing currents.

Anyhoo, my only point is that if you see flights re-routing or hauling butt, mebbe keep an eye on WX effects like storms, and what the winds aloft are doing.

I just don't think a balloon in the midwest is gonna do 235+ kts due north without serious weather help. Worth keeping in mind.

Y'all absolutely rock. Godspeed

>>15677

Then I assume it's motorized, because it was heading due N at @ 235kts IAS in roughly southern Iowa, iirc. I remember that it didn't fit the profile of a non-powered A/C becuz it was headed N at FL140-ish. That's not the normal jetstream in that neck o the woods.

Or am I mistaken? 235kts seems high for a balloon, especially that hdg/alt/location.

>>20491

Well that's kinda my underlying point. Pretty sure the jetstream doesn't run due north there, much less strong enough to push a balloon to a speed of 235kts at 14000 feet. Do you see what I mean?

Which leads to my overall point - helps to look at the winds aloft data to determine if it's a balloon or powered aircraft. The one i saw reported as a balloon most likely wasn't.