Cross Jet

Much like a migrating bird, the subtropical jetstream moves south in the winter thereby affecting the portuguese latitudes. It also intensifies in strength and is often accompanied by moderate clear air turbulence (CAT). Here, the powerful jetstream calls for an almost 20º drift correction in order to fly the required track to LIDRO waypoint where the standard arrival to our destination begins. With a true airspeed (TAS) of 416 kts, a drift correction of this magnitude requires a serious crosswind which in this case blows at 146 kts. Airbus A319 CS-TTN from Lisbon to Funchal at FL330.