TED-Ed: Can you solve the airplane riddle? - Judd A. Schorr

A professor designs a plane to fly around the world nonstop but faces a fuel capacity issue. To solve this, he uses three planes that can transfer fuel midair. The planes coordinate their journey, with one plane returning to refuel while the others continue. The professor's plane reaches the halfway point, and the other planes meet him to transfer fuel, allowing all to complete the journey successfully. The experiment concludes with a promise of future commercial flights.

What is the main challenge the professor faces with his plane design?

• The plane is not aerodynamic enough.

• The plane can only hold enough fuel for half the journey.

• The plane is too slow to complete the journey.

• The plane cannot fly at high altitudes.

How do the planes manage to transfer fuel midair?

• By using a special fuel transfer cable.

• By landing on a nearby airstrip.

• By using a drone to carry fuel between planes.

• By flying next to each other and transferring fuel instantly.

What is Orokana's role in the initial phase of the journey?

• She provides navigation support from the ground.

• She refuels the professor and Fugōri before returning to the airport.

• She stays at the airport to monitor the journey.

• She flies alone to the destination.

At what point does the professor fly alone during the journey?

• After the first quarter of the journey.

• After the planes take off from the airport.

• After Fugōri refuels him and returns to the airport.

• After Orokana refuels him at the halfway point.

How do the planes ensure they all land safely at the end of the journey?

• By refueling at a mid-journey airport.

• By coordinating to meet and refuel at critical points.

• By carrying extra fuel tanks.

• By reducing speed to conserve fuel.