Contrails also known as condensation trails are lines of vapor clouds formed by planes at high altitudes.
Contrails also known as condensation trails are lines of vapor clouds formed by planes at high altitudes. Water vapor in the exhaust fumes condensate to form water droplets that crystallizes to form ice due to low temperatures of the surrounding air at high altitudes. Contrails may also be seen forming at the wing tips due to changes in air pressure. Trail length and visibility depend on weather conditions. In dry weather conditions, contrails fade away quickly.
The often white trails left by planes at airshows are smoke trails. They are a paraffin-based mineral oil that is mixed with the hot exhaust fumes causing it to burn instantly to produce thick smoke.
