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Old January 19th 06, 11:12 PM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Default Why do jets leave a white trail behind them.

Jim Macklin wrote:

Jet fuel also contains a lot (relatively) of water, which
condenses soon after leaving the exhaust. That is why they
are called CONTRAILS condensation trails. They were first
seen behind the bombers during WWII and so-named.


If jet fuel is full of water, how do you get it to burn? When I took
chemistry, hydrocarbon fuels contained .... drum roll please ... carbon
and hydrogen. No water of any level of significance.

Matt