To be clear, I do not think the plotted times are off. In fact, I think they're quite accurate--missing 22:04 notwithstanding.

The problem is that getting absolute precise location measurements are difficult, for example, when comparing where the jet would be on the Western Flight Path versus the FBI Flight Path.

I quite painstakingly went through all of the radio transcripts that provided air speed, temperature, atmosphere, wind direction and the like to determine as precisely as possible the ground speed--which needless to say is critically important. From what I could tell everything appeared to add up.

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To be clear, I do not think the plotted times are off. In fact, I think they're quite accurate--missing 22:04 notwithstanding.

The problem is that getting absolute precise location measurements are difficult, for example, when comparing where the jet would be on the Western Flight Path versus the FBI Flight Path.

I quite painstakingly went through all of the radio transcripts that provided air speed, temperature, atmosphere, wind direction and the like to determine as precisely as possible the ground speed--which needless to say is critically important. From what I could tell everything appeared to add up.

Thanks, EU. This line of thought is really independent of the Western vs. Central flight path argument. Regardless of which side of the fence you fall, we should feel confident knowing exactly where along that path the plane was.

That said, would you say that 305 maintained a 165 knot speed throughout its trip from Seattle south to Portland?

The ground speed did vary because the relative direction of the jet to the wind varied once they turned at Toledo/Maylay. Plus there were some other factors--i.e., Rataczak slowing the jet down and leveling off at 7K so DBC could lower the stairs. After that, they initiated a climb.

As I recall, once they turned at Toledo/Maylay their ground speed was reasonably consistent at around 170 kts.

Speeds ranged from 155 -170 KIAS. with an average ground speed of about 196. this was confirmed through Bill, if not mistaken. I recall a speed report one time between 170-180 once they leveled off at 10k.

In a simulator, I don't recall any drag in the turns. most were not heavy rolls..

Yes, ground speed...

Ground speed is measured like anything else on the ground by MPH.....

Other than the start of the flight I recall the ground speed being consistent and not exceeding 198 mph. Hominid always had the speed set around 170 KIAS past a certain point. we also didn't bother with the 14 miles DME but focused on the 19 miles DME which was reachable. we set the weather (wind, temps) with what was available and the instruments matched the transcripts with fuel flow, speeds, altitudes and even the tat readings. the only thing really noticed was the extra time between the Lewis river and the Columbia...

It's hard to try and reproduce something like this. my goal was to see if it was flyable and if anything could be found or noticed along the way.

Another question for Bill would be the 14 miles DME...

The problem becomes (in my admittedly uninformed eyes) if you have the plane traveling at 170 knots, then you are looking at 2.83 nautical miles per hour. If you use 3.0 instead of 2.83 then by the time you get to Portland you are miles ahead of where the plane would be. You have to be precise with this otherwise you are looking in the all the wrong places.

I am going to start at the Toledo/Malay at 7:59 and work down at 2.83 nautical miles per minute and see where that leads me. I know that other variables would be at work, but at least it will give us a general idea.

I'll post what I have tomorrow. I'm enjoying some adult beverages in honor of St. Patrick's Day at the moment.