View Single Post
  #25  
Old January 20th 06, 01:27 AM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Why do jets leave a white trail behind them.

It is hydroscopic and absorbs water. The water in the
"spaces" between the hydrocarbon is where the fungus grows.


"Matt Whiting" wrote in message
...
| 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