AFJROTC Commercial and General Aviation Take Off Practice Exam

How long did it take the Lockheed Super Constellation and the Starliner to fly across the country?

1. 5 hours

2. 7 hours

3. 9 hours

4. 11 hours

The correct answer is: 9 hours

The Lockheed Super Constellation and the Starliner are known for their remarkable speed and performance in long-distance flights during their operational years. To specifically address the duration it took these aircraft to fly across the country, it is crucial to consider the technological advancements present in the Super Constellation, which could reach cruising speeds around 300 knots or more, depending on conditions and load. The average distance across the continental United States is approximately 2,500 miles. Given the Super Constellation's cruising speed, it would logically take around 9 hours to complete such a journey, factoring in variables such as air traffic, fuel stops, and specific routing. This aligns with the operational characteristics of these aircraft, which were designed for transcontinental travel and provided efficient service during their time. Thus, the 9-hour duration reflects the aircraft's capabilities and the realistic flight times experienced by pilots on these routes.