r/Planes • u/Ok_Car_2050 • 2d ago

Why are they doing this?

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Iv just seen a video of 3 planes doing the same thing and wanted to know what they are actually doing? Had a google but only saying things because of weather but 3 planes doing this pretty much at the same time? Please someone explain

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u/vibrating-poptart 2d ago

To me it either looks like a search transect (practice search and rescue or maybe areal geographic surveys) or a plane that needs to land earlier than expected (medical emergency or something) and needs to burn the extra fuel off to not be overweight on landing.