Recent Flight Traffic In DM Area

[CylentButDeadly]

I'm probably looking too much into this, but I live in the Windsor Heights area and it's not uncommon for flights to roll in over my house as they're making their approach to DM International.

I've noticed in the last several days, however, that the frequency of flights has not only picked up, but it seems the planes are flying lower and are much louder. A friend of mine who lives in the area has noticed the same trend.

I know zilch about flight patterns and tendencies, but my only guess is that in colder temperatures, planes fly lower (silly hypothesis I know), but that doesn't explain why it seems the frequency of flights coming in has picked up.

Anybody have any insight into this or noticed the same thing?

 

[mred]

Perhaps the wind direction has been unusual so the planes are taking off or landing in a different direction than usual. Just a guess.

 

[CylentButDeadly]

Perhaps the wind direction has been unusual so the planes are taking off or landing in a different direction than usual. Just a guess.

This makes sense. And to think, my silly girlfriend told me to Google it. Resourceful me knew that I'd find better info on CF.

 

[cyclone83]

Perhaps this being the busiest shipping week of the year and UPS having an air freight hub in Des Moines?

 

[wxman1]

It can be numerous things from wind directions, runways available, weather, FAA regulation changes. My guess would be the first three.

 

[CylentButDeadly]

All these suggestions make sense. Somebody humor me, though. Do planes ever fly at a lower altitude when there is colder weather?

 

[wxman1]

All these suggestions make sense. Somebody humor me, though. Do planes ever fly at a lower altitude when there is colder weather?

generally no unless there are reports of icing, then they may descend earlier or faster to get through it and to a pocket of air that is less conducive to icing. However this isn't just because it's cold, can happen anytime of the year at any altitude, however during the summer it's at higher altitudes.

 

[Jammin’]

Lower humidity can also help keep planes stay aloft easier so this is why they may be approaching at an lower altitude. Could be a new approach procedure also, like a GPS or RNAV approach where the descent is at the pilot's discretion sometimes.

Maybe a Runway or taxi way is closed which could cause UPS or other regional jets to land on an alternative RY.

UPS flies Boeing-757 (loud) in and out of DSM. So, if they picked up for the busy season this is were the extra noise is coming from. Also, planes also like to take off against the wind for better lift.

You could also call the DSM FAA ATCT and ask.

 

[cyclone1975]

I have noticed the same thing and was just talking about this with my coworker today.

 

[NobodyBeatsCy]

All these suggestions make sense. Somebody humor me, though. Do planes ever fly at a lower altitude when there is colder weather?

Airplanes have greater lift in colder weather (the air is denser), so they could fly lower and slower; but that should not matter that much.

 

[Rickybaby]

Is there any way we can blame this on the TSA or Wikileaks? oliceman:

 

[Clone9]

What about the treadmill?

 

[Cybyassociation]

Airplanes have greater lift in colder weather (the air is denser), so they could fly lower and slower; but that should not matter that much.

Does the temperature matter when they are taking off from a treadmill?

 

[acrozier22]

America is getting fatter. That is why.

 

[twojman]

America is getting fatter. That is why.

:laugh:
It's funny cause it is true.

 

[CycloneErik]

All these suggestions make sense. Somebody humor me, though. Do planes ever fly at a lower altitude when there is colder weather?

Only the ones that contain the United Nations' Multi-Jurisdictional Police Force.

I'd tell you to watch out, but you'll never see or hear them coming, anyway.

 

[KneeGusto]

I blame it on two things:

A) The wacky winds aloft lately as the jet stream wiggles like a worm on pavement.

2) The busy season for packages through UPS bringing newer pilots into DSM.

They have certainly been getting their money's worth out of the (newest) NW runway lately.

 

[CykoAGR]

Dont forget that because of the weather flights into some of the Northern airports such as Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit have been delayed and or canceled. I believe that Chicago was even shut down earlier in the week.

I would guess that this as well as the hectic Christmas shipping and traveling season are all playing a role.

 

[iahawkhunter]

To add to the other weather-related causes (which seemed very plausible, props to you all), during the winter we have a lot more overcast days. The cloud cover will help contain the sound near the ground and thus make it louder and longer-duration.

 

[jbhtexas]

Interesting. I live about 15 miles SW of DFW airport, so planes are flying over all the time. However, every once in awhile, usually earlier in the morning, the big planes (747and 777 types) are flying over really, really low, and really slow, like mentioned above. It's kind of scary. I've always meant to ask someone why they do that, but always forget when I'm around somebody who could actually answer the question. Next time, I've got get a picture.