Odd vapour trails
 

I took this pic in Southampton this morning. Never seen a trail like it before, and there was a an older one further to the south the same shape. Anyone got an idea why an aircraft would have flown a turn like that?

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/...0f&oe=54CB14F4

It seems that Sky have picked up on it as well
Mystery Over 'Weird' Plane Trail Photograph

..........

"TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC." ?

Probably avoiding a nature reserve.

The critters don't like the chemicals they put in those things.

The pilots probably decided to fly on an offset track at that point, rather than direct.

My initial thought was lateral separation, but you'd think there would be another trail alongside that thw turn took it away from. I think I'll go with Sky news sneeze theory. Must have been a hell of a blow to turn the heading knob that far!:rolleyes:

It's too allow the correct drift for the chemtrail layer.

Well, if that is a morning shot from Southampton (looking East) that would be a very strange offset manoeuvre!! More likely a bit of 'how's yer father' in the cockpit and a while before anyone noticed the 'movement' of the (heading) knob..........

ATC would be certain to question a manoeuvre like that, unless it was ATC initiated for some reason.

Ah, so that's what executing a "direct to" a little bit close to a intermediate waypoint looks like from the ground........:bored:

A view from underneath…

Mysterious photo of Hampshire plane's bizarre flight path sparks speculation | Daily Mail Online

The DM respondents seem to think it was a lateral wind that miraculously kept the trail intact.

Occam's Razor would say wind shear.

Agree with ShyT. It is exactly what an offset would look like. A new pilot having a try, maybe; Line training or just a demo.

Then let's hope the crew had ATC clearance for that!

Absolutely no need; just turn down box 1's volume.

.....that is assuming it was turned up, of course.:)

When I am King, ATC will be optional.

I had a boss like you once......

Someone put a mug of tea down on the navigators chart ;)