How we calculate these estimates
Distance is calculated using the haversine formula (great-circle distance between airport coordinates), which gives the shortest path over the Earth's surface. The map above shows this great-circle route.
Cruise speeds are averaged from verified specs across all aircraft types in each category in our database. When you select a specific aircraft type, we use that type's published maximum cruise speed (KTAS). Flight time is computed as distance divided by cruise speed.
Each estimate includes a climb and descent buffer that varies by category: 15 minutes for turboprops, 18 for very light jets, 20 for light jets, 22 for midsize and super-midsize, and 25 for heavy and ultra-long-range jets. These account for the slower speeds during climb-out and approach, where aircraft are not yet at cruise speed.
If the route distance exceeds an aircraft category's average range, we flag it as requiring a fuel stop and add 45 minutes to the total time to account for descent, refueling, and climb-out.
What's not included: Winds aloft (headwinds can add 10-20% on westbound US routes), taxi time, ATC routing deviations, or payload-related range reductions. Actual flight times may vary. For precise planning, contact the operator directly.